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ECLECTIC EDUCATIONAL SERIE; 



MCGUFFEY'S 



NEWLY REVISED 



ECLECTIC FOURTH READER: 



CONTAINING 



ELEGANT EXTRACTS IN PKOSE AND POETBY, 



RULES FOR READING, 



EXERCISES IN ARTICULATION, DEFINING, ETO. 



3&tebtsc& anH Sm^robctr. 



By Wm. H. M c GUFFEY, LL. D. 



REVISED ELECTROTYPE EDITION. 

CINCINNATI: 
SARGENT, WILSON & ITINKLE. 

NEW YORK: CLARK & MAYNARD. ^ eedg he ~~^ 

€iSS3 => (3) 



ill? 
SUPERIOR SCHOOL BOOKS-, 



EMBRACED IN THE 



(Sdctiit (Khtational Bitm. 

BEST AND CHEAPEST SCHOOL BOOKS EVER PUBLISHED. 



READING AND SPELLING. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC PICTORIAL PRIMER, for little children. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC SPELLING BOOK, for primary and com- 
mon schools. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC FIRST READER ; lessons in reading and 
spelling for the younger pupils. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC SECOND READER; lessons in reading 
and spelling for young pupils. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC THIRD READER, for middle classes; 
chaste and instructive lessons in prose and poetry. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC FOURTH READER, for more advanced 
classes ; elegant extracts in prose and poetry. 

McGUFFEY'S ECLECTIC FIFTH READER, (Rhetorical Guide); a 
rhetorical reading book for the highest classes. 

THE HEMANS 5 READER, for Female Seminaries. Elegant extracts 
in poetry and prose. 

NEW ENGLISH GRAMMAR. 

PINNEO'S PRIMARY GRAMMAR, on the analytic method ; a com- 
plete work for beginners in the study. 

PINNEO'S ANALYTICAL GRAMMAR ; a full and complete treatise, 
for academies and schools. 

ARITHMETIC. 

RAY'S ARITHMETIC, PART FIRST ; simple mental lessons and 

tables for little learners. 
RAY'S ARITHMETIC, PART SECOND; a complete text-book in 

Mental Arithmetic, by induction and analysis. 

RAY'S ARITHMETIC, PART THIRD ; for schools and academies ; 

a? full and complete treatise, on the inductive and analytic methods 

of instruction. 

ALGEBRA. 
RAY'S ALGEBRA, PART FIRST ; for common schools and academies, 

a simple, progressive, and thorough elementary treatise. 

RAY'S ALGEBRA, PART SECOND ; for advanced students in acade- 
mies, and for colleges ; a progressive, lucid, and comprehensive work. 



^TEach PART of the Arithmetical course, as well as the Algebraic, is a complete 
book in itself, and is sold separately. 

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year Eighteen Hundred and Fif.y-Thr ee, by 
Wlnthrop B. Smith, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the 



^EANKLIN TYPE FOUNDER CINCINNATI, OHIO. 

: 



PREFACE. 



Tins volume treads in the steps of its predecessors, as far as princi 
pie is concerned. The chief difference between this and the "Third 
Eclectic Reader " is, that the rules are more specific ; the exempli- 
fications more numerous ; the list of errors in pronunciation and 
articulation more extended ; and the questions more copious, embrac- 
ing a wider range, and requiring a more vigorous exercise of thought. 
The mind of the pupil is presumed to have expanded, as he advanced 
through the preceding numbers of the " Series." In this book, there- 
fore, he is to expect that higher claims will be made upon his powers 
of thought, both in the character of the lessons, and in the questions 
appended to them. 

The lessons are of a higher grade than in the preceding volumes. 
The author, however, ventures to predict, that if any of them shall be 
found unintelligible to the younger classes of readers, it will not be 
those of the highest character for thought and diction, and especially 
in the selections from poetry. Nothing is so difficult to be understood 
as nonsense. Nothing is so clear and easy to comprehend as the sim- 
plicity of wisdom. 

By the questions, all the pupil knows, and, sometimes more, will be 
put in requisition. This will not be unpleasant to those whose minds 
are sufficiently active and vigorous, to take delight in new efforts, and 
fresh acquisitions. It may even happen that some of the questions 
can not be answered by the instructor. Still, there 5 - nothing which 
an intelligent teacher of a "common school'''' might ;t be expected 
to learn, or easily acquire. Nothing is so well tan r, as what has 
been recently learned. It is, however, the wish of tfc tuthor, to incite 
the teacher to the adoption of the interrogative met. ^d orally, rather 
than confine him to the printed questions. 

From no source has the author drawn more copiously than from the 
Sacred Scriptures. For this certainly he apprehends no censure. In 
a Christian country, that man is to be pitied, who, at this day, can 
honestly object to imbuing the minds of youth with the language aud 
spirit of the word of God. Among the selections from the Bible are 
some elegant specimens of sacred poetry, as arranged by Bishop Jebb 
and Dr. Coit. 

To the present remodeled and enlarged edition, are added an intro- 
ductory article on reading ; definitions of the more difficult words in 
each lesson, in which the proper pronunciation is indicated and the 
part of speech denoted by the usual abbreviations ; a notation, to a 
considerable extent, of the proper inflection and emphasis, together 
with questions, and explanations of the same ; and grammatical ques- 
tions. To the latter the attention of the teacher is especially invited, 
as they form a very important and valuable feature of the work. No 
teacher is aware, until he tries it, how far the study of grammar and 
that of reading may be united, with decided advantage to both. 

The exercises on Articulation placed between the lessons, are also, 
in this edition, very much enlarged and considerably varied. 

With regard to the general plan of this series, as it has met so 
universally the approbation of intelligent critics, it needs here no 
explanation or defense. (3) 



CONTENTS 



DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

PAGE. 

Preliminary Remarks, ...... 7 

Articulation, 8 

Tones, H 

Inflections (nature of)> 14 

Falling Inflection, 15 

Rising Inflection, 19 

Rising and Falling Inflections, 21 

Circumflex, .c 22 

Monotone, • 23 

Accent, • ...2-1 

Emphasis, •• ....25 

Absolute Emphasis, 25 

Relative Emphasis, 26 

Emphatic Phrase, • 27 

Emphatic Pause, ...............27 

Poetic Pauses, .28 

Exercises for Practice, .............. .29 

Suggestions to Teachers, *. ...32 



PROSE LESSONS 



LESSON. PAGE. 

1. Respect for the Sabbath Rewarded, Ed. Paper. 33 

2. The Just Judge, Anonymous. 36 

3. The Maniac, • Anonymous. 40 

5. True and False Philanthropy, • Anonymous. 44 

6. Control your Temper, Todd. 48 

8. The "Whale-ship, Prov. Lit. Journal. 53 

9. Death at the Toilet, Diary of a Physician. 57 

11. Contrasted Soliloquies, Jane Taylor. 61 

13. No Excellence without Labor, Wirt. 66 

14. On Elocution and Reading, N. A. Review. G8 

15. Necessity of Education, .....*.......... Beecher. 71 

L7. A Mother's Influence, ..*..••••«.... Ladies' Magazine. 75 

(iv) 



CONTENTS. 



LESSON. PAQE - 

18. The Wife, W. Irving. 80 

20. The Intemperate Husband, Mrs: Sigourney. 83 

21. The Intemperate Husband— Continued, Mrs. Sigourney. 86 

22. The Venomous Worm, » John Mussel. 88 

23. The Town Pump, Hawthorne. 90 

26. Au End of all Perfection, Mrs. Sigourney. 99 

29. Portrait of a Patriarch, Addison. 104 

31. Death of Absalom, Bible. 109 

33. Speech of Logan, Chief of the Mingoes, Jefferson. 115 

34. Charles II and William Penn, Friend of Peace. 117 

35. Horrors of War, Robert HalL 120 

37. Character of Napoleon Bonaparte, Phillips. 125 

39. Capturing the Wild Horse W. Irving. 131 

40. Scene at the Sandwich Islands, Stewart. 135 

43. Niagara Falls, Hoivison. 144 

45. The Alhambra by Moonlight, W. Irving. 151 

47. A Morning Ramble, Paulding. 155 

50. A Picture of Human Life, Dr. Johnson. 1G4, 

51. Remarkable Preservation, Prof. Wilson. 368 

53. The Righteous never forsaken, Anonymous. 175 

55. Christ and the Blind Man, Bible. 181 

57. The Scriptures and the Savior, Rousseau. 186 

58. The Blind Preacher, Wirt. 189 

61. Decisive Integrity, Wirt. 196 

62. The Steamboat Trial, Abbott. 198 

64. Love of Applause, • Hawes. 203 

65. Tit for Tat, Miss Edgeworth. 206 

67. Select Paragraphs, Bible. 21J,, 

69. Criminality of Dueling, Nott. 217 

70. Effects of Gambling, Timothy Flint. 219 

73. Parallel between Pope and Dryden, Johnson. 230 

74. Henry Martyn and Lord Byron, Miss Beecher. 233 

75. Martyn and Byron, — Continued, Miss Beecher. 236 

77. Chesterfield and Paul, Miss Beecher. 241 

78. Religion the only basis of Society, Channing. 244 

80. The Vision of Mirza, Addison. 248 

84. Benefits of Literature, Lord Lyttleton. 260 

85. The Bible the best of Classics, Grimke. 264 

87. Value of Mathematics, E. D. Mansfield. 263 

88. Value of Mathematics — Continued, E. D. Mansfield. 271 

89. On Letter Writing, Blackwood's Magazine. 274 

91. Rebellion in Massachusetts State Prison, Buckingham. 2S2 

95. Charles De Moor's Remorse, Schiller. 296 

96. Character of the Puritan Fathers of New England, Greenwood. 297 

99. The Patriotism of Western Literature, Dr. Daniel Drake. 313 

100. Duty of an American Orator, Grimke. 316 

103. Europe and America — Washington, Webster. 324 

107. The Celestial City, Bible. 331 



VI CONTENTS. 



POETICAL LESSONS. 

LESSON. VA.P.E. 

4. He never smiled again, • Airs. Hcmans. 42 

7. The Child's Inquiry, Doane. 51 

10. The Spider and the Fly, Alary Howitt. 59 

12. The Pebble and the Acorn, Miss II. F. Gould. 04 

1.;. True Wisdom, Dr. Cheever's Hebrew l J o>.ts. 74 

19. The Winged Worshipers, Sprague. 82 

24. Vision of a Spirit, Bible. 94 

25. A rest for the Weary, Atontgomery. 90 

27. Life and Death, New Alouthly Magazine. 101 

23. The Better Land, Airs. Ilcmuns. 103 

30. Ginevra, Rogers. 106 

32. Absalom, Willis. 112 

36. Battle of Waterloo, Byron. 123 

33. Parrhasius. Willis. 128 

41. Joyous Devotion, Bible. 139 

42. Gods First Temples, W. C. Bryant. 140 

44. Niagara Falls, U- & Review. 143 

46. April Day, Anonymous. 153 

48 The Death of the Flowers, W.C.Bryant. 100 

49. It Snowfl, Airs. S. J. Hale. 102 

52. Div:ne Providence, Bible. 173 

54 The Works of God, Bible. 178 

56. Apostrophe to Light, Milton. 184 

53. Apostrophe to the Ocean, Byron. 192 

■'60. Nature and Revelation, Bible. 194 

63. 1'rocrastination, Young. 202 

66. Washing Day, Mrs. Barbauld. i09 

63. A Hebrew Tale, Airs. Sigourney. 214 

71. The Miser, Pollok. 223 

72. Shylock, or the pound of Flesh, Shalcspeare. 225 

76. Byron, Pollok. 22S 

79. The Gods of the Heathen, Bible. 246 

81. A Dirge, Croly. 252 

82. The Fall of Babylon, JeWs Sacred Literature. 254 

83. Thalaba among the Ruins of Babylon, Southey. 257 

86. Midnight Musings, Young. 266 

90. Prince Arthur, Shalcspeare. 278 

92. The Passions, Collins. 237 

93. The Amateurs, Monthly Anthology. 290 

9 k Lochiel's Warning, Campbell. 293 

97. William Tell Knowles. 301 

93 William Tell,— Continued, Knowles. 309 

101. Make Way for Liberty, Alontgomcry. 3:9 

102. The American Eagle, Neal. 322 

104. America— National Hymn, S. F. Smith. 3-7 

105. Comfort Ye my People, Bible. 328 

106. The Power of God, Bible. 330 



DIRECTIONS FOR READING 



SECTION I, 

PEELIMINARY REMARKS, 

The great object to be accomplished in reading as a rhetorical 
exercise is, to convey to the hearer, fully and clearly, the ideas and 
feelings of the writer. In order to do this, it is necessary that the 
reader should himself thoroughly understand those sentiments and 
feelings. This is an essential point. It is true, he may pronounce 
the words as traced upon the page, and, if they are audibly and 
distinctly uttered, they will be heard, and in some degree understood, 
and, in this way, a general and feeble idea of the author's meaning 
may be obtained. 

Ideas received in this manner, however, bear the same resem- 
blance to the reality, that the dead body does to the living spirit. 
There is no soul in them. The author is stripped of all the grace 
and beauty of life, of all the expression and feeling which consti- 
tute the soul of his subject, and it may admit of a doubt, whether 
this fashion of reading is superior to the ancient symbolic or hiero- 
glyphic style of communicating ideas. 

At all events, it is very certain, that such readers, with every 
conceivable grace of manner, with the most perfect melody of voice, 
and with all other advantages combined, can never attain the true 
standard of excellence in this accomplishment. The golden rule 
here is, that the reader must oe in earnest. The sentiments and 
feelings of the author whose language he is reading, must be infused 
into his own breast, and then, and not till then, is he qualified to 
express them. 

In accordance with this view, a preliminary rule of importance 
is the following. 

R u l e. — Before attempting to read a lesson, the learner 
should make himself fully acquainted with the subject, 
as treated of in that lesson, and endeavor to make hi3 
own, the feelings and sentiments of the writer. 

For this purpose, every lesson should be well studied beforehand, 
and no scholar should be permitted to attempt to read any thing, 
which he can not easily understand. ^Yhen he has thus identified 

(7) 



8 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

hiAself with the author, he has the substance of all rules in his 
owu breast. It is by going to nature that we find rules. The child 
or the savage ' orator, never mistakes in inflection, or emphasis, or 
modulation. The best speakers and readers are those who follow 
the impulse of nature as felt in their own hearts, or most closely 
imitate it as observed in others. As the first and most important 
step, then, let the reader or speaker enter deeply into the feelings 
and sentiments, which he is about to express in the language of 
another. This direction is placed at the threshold of this subject, 
because the prevailing fault in reading is listlessness and dullness, 
and the principal cause of this fault, is want of interest in the 
subject which is or ought to be before the mind. 

The directions which follow upon the subject of reading, are 
derived from observing the manner in which the best and most 
natural speakers and readers express themselves, and arc presented 
to the learner as a standard for imitation, and by which he may 
judge of his deficiencies and departure from nature, and correct 
himself accordingly. 

Questions. — What is the chief design of reading? In order to do this, 
what is first necessary ? If a person reads without understanding the sub- 
ject, what is the consequence? What method of communicating ideas was 
used in ancient times? When is a person qualified to read well? Repeat 
the rule. For the purpose of being able to observe this rule, what must be 
done ? From whence are all rules derived ? Why is the direction, given in 
the ruje, placed here? 



SECTION II. 

ARTICULATION. 

The subject, first in order and in importance, requiring attention, 
is articulation. And here, it is taken for granted, that the 
reader is able to pronounce each word at sight, so that there may 
be no hesitating or repeating; that he has been taught to read with 
a proper degree of deliberation, so that there may be no contusion 
of sounds ) and that he has learned to read exactly what is written, 
leaving out no words and introducing none. The object to be 
accomplished, under this head, may be expressed by the following 
general direction. 

Give to each letter (except silent letters), to each sylla- 
ble, and to each word its full, distinct, and appropriate 
utterance. 



ARTICULATION. 



For the purpose of avoiding the more common errors under this 
head, it is necessary to observe the following rules. 

Rule I. — Avoid the omission or improper sound of 
unaccented vowels, whether they form a syllable or part 
of a syllable ; as, 

Separate for sep-a-rate ; met-ri-c'l for met-ric-al ; 'pear for ap-pear ; 
com-p'tent for com-p6-tent; pr'-cede for pre-cede; 'spe-cial for es-pe-cial ; 
ev'-dent for ev-i-dent; moun-t'n for mount-am ; (pro. mount-in); mem'ry 
for mem-o-ry ; 'pin-ion for o-pin-ion ; pr'pose for pro-pose ; gran'lar for 
gran-z(-lar ; par-tic'lar for par-tic-w-lar. 

In the above instances the unaccented vowel is omitted ; it may 
also be improperly sounded as in the following examples; viz., 

Sep-er-ate for sep-a-rate ; met-ric-id for met-ric-al ; 2£p-pear for ap- 
pear ; com-per-tent for com-pe-tent; dwm-mand for de-mand ; ob-stor- 
nate for ob-sto-nate ; mem-er-y for mem-o-ry ; wp-pin-ion for o-pin-ion ; 
pny?-pose for pro-pose ; gra-m/-lar for gran-w-lar ; par-tic-er-lar for 
par-ti(M{-lar. 

In correcting errors of the above kind, or of any kind, in words 
of more than one syllable, it is very important to avoid a fault 
which is the natural consequence of an effort to articulate correctly 
Thus, in endeavoring to sound correctly the a in metf-ric-al, the 
pupil is very apt to say met-ric-al! ', accenting the last syllable 
instead of the first. In correcting the sound of o, in pro-pose', he 
will perhaps pronounce it pro' -pose. This change of the accent, 
and all undue stress upon the unaccented syllable, should be care- 
fully avoided. 

Rule 1 1. — Guard particularly against the omission, or 
the feeble sound of the terminating consonant. 

Upon a full and correct sound of the consonants, depends very 
much, distinctness of utterance. The following are examples of 
the fault referred to in the rule ; viz., 

An' or un for and ; ban' for band ; moun' for mound ; mor-nin' for 
morn-ina ; dess for des7c ; mos' for mosque ; near-es' for nenv-est ; wep' 
for weptf; ob-jec' for ob-jec^; &c. 

This omission is still more likely to take place, where several 
consonants come together; as, 

Thrus' for thrusts ; beace for beasts ; thinks' for thinks^ ; weps' for 
wept'.s^ ; harms' for harms^ ; wrongs' for wrongd's^ ; twinkles' for 
twinkl'd'stf ; black'ns' for black'n'd's^, &c. 

In all cases of this kind, these sounds are omitted, in the first 
instance, merely because they are difficult, and require care and 
attention for their utterance, although, after a while, it becomes a 



10 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

matter of habit. The only remedy is, to devote that care and 
attention, which may be necessary. There is no other difficulty, 
unless there should be a defect in the organs of speech, which docs 
not often happen. 

Rule III. — Avoid uniting into one word, syllables 
which belong to different words. 

This fault, when united with that last mentioned, forms perhaps: 
the most fruitful source of error in articulation. The following 
lines furnish an example. 

Here — res-e-zed upon th'lapper verth, 
A youth tofor turnan tofa munknown, 
Fairsci ensfrow noton ezum blebirth, 
Unmel anchol eniark dimfor erown. 

With some difficulty these lines may be deciphered to mean as 
follows : 

Here rests his head upon the lap of earth, 
A youth to fortune and to fame unknown, 
Fair science frowned not on his humble birth, 
And melancholy marked him for her own. 

Very full exercises and directions for practice in articulation, 
may be found in the Eclectic Second and Third Headers of this 
series, to which it is supposed the reader has already paid some 
attention. In every reading lesson, this subject should receive its 
appropriate attention. Between the lessons in this book, also, are 
examples, constituting a series of exercises upon difficult combina- 
tions, and upon vowel sounds, which, it is believed, will be found 
of great utility, and to which the learner is directed for practice. 

The teacher will recollect, that in correcting a fault, there is 
always danger of erring in the opposite extreme. Now, properly 
speaking, there is no danger of learning to articulate too distinctly, 
but there is danger of contracting a habit of drawling, and of pro- 
nouncing unimportant words with too much prominence. This 
should be carefully guarded against. It is a childish fault, but is 
not always confined to children. 

Question s. — What subject is first in importance to the reader ? Re- 
peat the general direction. Repeat the first rule. Give some examples in 
which the vowel is left out. Give some in which it is improperly sounded. 
In correcting these errors, what fault is it necessary to guard against? What 
is the second rule ? Give examples. When is the omission still more likely 
to take place? Give examples. What is the cause of this defect ? What is 
the remedy ? Is there often any defect in the organs of speech ? What is 
the third rule ? Illustrate it by an example. What kind of exercises are 
adapted for improvement in articulation \ What error must be guarded 
against ? 



TONES. 11 



SECTION III. 

TONES. 

If any one will notice closely a sentence as nttered in private 
conversation, he will observe, that scarcely two successive words 
are pronounced in exactly the same tone. At the same time, how- 
ever, there is a certain pitch or key, which seems, on the whole, to 
prevail. This hey note or governing note, as it may be called, is 
that upon which the voice most frequently dwells, to which it 
usually returns when wearied, and upon which a sentence generally 
commences, and very frequently ends, while, at the same time, 
there is a considerable play of the voice above and below it. 

This note may be high or low. It varies in different individuals, 
and at different times in the same individual, being governed by 
the nature of the subject, and the emotions of the speaker. The 
range of the voice above and below this note, is called its compass. 
When the speaker is animated, this range is great; but upon 
abstract subjects, and with a dull, lifeless speaker, it is small. If, 
in reading or speaking, too high a note be chosen, the lungs will 
soon become wearied ; if too low a pitch be selected, there is danger 
of indistinctness of utterance; and, in either case, there is less 
room for variety of tone, than if one be taken between the two 
extremes. 

On this point, let the following rule be observed. 

Rule I. — The reader or speaker should choose that 
pitch, in which he can feel himself most at ease, and 
above and below which he may have most room for 
variation. 

Having chosen the proper key note, he should beware of confining 
himself to it. This constitutes monotony, one of the greatest faults 
in elocution. One very important instrument for giving expression 
and life to though \ is thus lost, and the hearer soon becomes 
wearied and disgusted. 

There is another fault of nearly equal magnitude, and of very 
frequent occurrence. This consists in varying the tones without 
any rule or guide. In cases of this kind, there seems to be a 
desire to cultivate variety of tone, without a knowledge of the 



12 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

principles upon which it should be done. Sometimes, also, thero 
is a kind of regular variation, but still not connected with the sense. 
A sentence is commenced with vehemence, and in a high tone, and 
the voice gradually sinks, word by word, until, the breath being 
spent, and the lungs exhausted, it dies away at the close in a 
whisper. 

The habit of sing-song*, so common in reading poetry, as it is a 
variation of tone without reference to the sense, is a species of the 
fault above mentioned. 

If the reader or speaker is guided by the sense, and if he gives 
that emphasis, inflection, and expression, required by the meaning, 
these faults will speedily disappear. 

The tones of the voice should vary, also, in quantity or expression, 
according to the nature of the subject. We notice, very plainly, a 
difference between the soft, insinuating tones of persuasion • the 
full, strong voice of command and decision ; the harsh, irregular, 
and sometimes grating explosion of the sounds of passion ; the 
plaintive notes of sorrow and pity ; and the equable and unimpas- 
sioned flow of words in argumentative style. In dialogue, common 
sense teaches, that the manner and tones of the supposed speaker 
should be imitated. In all varieties of style, this is equally proper, 
for the reader is but repeating the language of another, and the full 
meaning of this can not be conveyed, unless uttered with that 
expression which we may suppose the author would have given to 
it, or in other words, which the subject itself demands. 

The following direction, upon this point, is worthy of attention. 

Rule II. — The tones of the voice should always 
correspond with the nature of the subject. 

If the following extracts are all read in the same tone and 
manner, and then read again with the expression appropriate to 
each, the importance of this point can not fail to be, at once, 
perceived. 

" Come back ! come back ! " he cries with grief, 
" Across the stormy water, 
And I '11 forgive your Highland chief, 
My daughter ! oh, my daughter ! " 

I have lived long enough : my way of life 
Is fallen into the sear, the yellow leaf: 
And that which should accompany old age, 
As honor, love, obedience, troops of friends, 
I must not look to have. 

A very great portion of this globe is covered with water, which is 
called the sea, and is very distinct from rivers and lakes. 



TONES. 13 



Burned. Marmion's swarthy cheek like fire, 
And shook his very frame for ire, 

And— " This to me ? " he said ; 
" An't were not for thy hoary beard, 
Such hand as Marniion's had not spared 

To cleave the Douglas 7 head ! 

" E'en in thy pitch of pride, 
Here, in thy hold, thy vassals near, 

I tell thee, thou 'rt defied ! 
And if thou said'st, I am not peer 
To any lord in Scotland here, 
Lowland or Highland, far or near, 

Lord Angus, thou hast lied ! " 

In our attempt to imitate nature it is important to avoid affecta- 
tion, for, to this fault, even perfect monotony is preferable. 

To improve the voice in all these respects, practice is necessary. 
To increase its compass or range of notes, commence, for example, 
with the lowest pitch the voice can comfortably sound, and repeat 
whole paragraphs and pages upon that key. Then rise one note 
higher, and practice on that, in the same way, then another, and so 
on, until the highest pitch of the voice is reached. The strength 
of the voice may be increased in the same way, by practicing with 
different degrees of loudness, from a whisper to full rotundity, 
taking care to keep the voice on the same key. The same note in 
music may be sounded loud or soft. So, also, a sentence may be 
pronounced on the same pitch with different degrees of loudness. 
Having practiced with different degrees of loudness on one key, 
make the same experiment on another, and then on another, and 
so on. It will be found, that the voice is capable of being changed 
and improved by exercise and practice to a much greater degree 
than is generally supposed. 

Q u est i ons. — What is meant by the key note? Is this the same at all 
times, and in all individuals? What circumstances cause it to differ? What 
is meant by compass of voice? Under what circumstances is this range 
great? When is it small? If too high a key note be selected, what is the 
consequence? If the note be too low, what danger is there? What is the 
rule on this subject? What is monotony? What are the evils arising from 
this fault? What other faults of tone are mentioned? What manner of 
reading poetry is mentioned? How are these faults to be corrected? What 
is said with regard to varying the tones in quality or expression? What is 
said of the reading of dialogues, <fcc? Repeat the second Rule. What 
must be guarded against in attempts to imitate nature? How may the 
voice be improved in compass? How, in strength? 



14 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 



SECTION IV. 

INFLECTIONS. 

I. NATURE OF INFLECTIONS. 

Inflections are slides of the voice upward or downward. Of 
these there are two. One is called the rising inflection, in which 
the voice slides upward, and is marked thus ('); as, Did you 
walk' ? The other is called the falling inflection, in which the 
voice slides downward, and is marked thus ( x ); as, I did not walk\ 
They are both exhibited in the following question : Did you walk', 
or did you ride x ? In pronouncing the word walk' in this question, 
the voice slides upward. On the contrary, the voice slides down- 
ward, in pronouncing the word ride. This is sometimes exhibited 



p 



in the following way of writing the words: Did you i c or e & 
It is important that these inflections should be familiar to the car 
of the learner. In the following questions, the first member has 
the rising, and the second member, the falling inflection. 

Is he sick 7 , or is he welD? 

Is he young 7 , or is he old v ? 

Is he rich 7 , or is he poor N ? 

Did you say valor 7 , or value N ? 

Did you say statute 7 , or statue N ? 

Did he act properly 7 , or improperly N ?* 

In the following answers to these questions, the inflections are 
used in a contrary order, the first member terminating with the 
falling, and the second, with the rising inflection. 

He is well\ not sick 7 . 

He is young\ not old 7 . 

He is rich\ not poor 7 . 

I said value\ not valor 7 . 

I said statue\ not statute 7 . 

He acted properly\ not improperly 7 . 

These slides of the voice are sometimes very slight, so as to be 
scarcely perceptible, but at other times, when the words are 

* These questions and similar ones, with their answers, should be repeat- 
edly pronounced with their proper inflections, until the distinction between 
the rising and falling inflection is well understood and easily made by the 
learner. He will be assisted in this, by emphasizing strongly the word 
mflected ; thus, Did you ride or did you zvaW ? 



INFLECTIONS. 15 



pronounced in an animated tone, and strongly emphasized, the 
voice passes upward or downward, through several notes. This 
will readily be perceived, by pronouncing the above questions or 
answers with a strong emphasis. 

Questions. — What are inflections? How does the voice slide in the 
rising inflection? How, in the falling? Explain their use in the question 
given as an example. Explain the different inflections, in the questions, 
commencing with, " Is he sick', or is he well v ? " Explain them, in the 
answers to these questions. Are these inflections always very plainly per- 
ceived? "When are they most readily perceived? 



II. PALLING INFLECTION. 

Rule I. — The falling inflection is generally proper, 
wherever the sense is complete ; as, 

Truth is more wonderful than £ction\ 
Men generally die as they live\ 
By industry we obtain weatth\ 

The falling of the voice at tn.3 close of a sentence is sometimes 
called a cadence, and properly speaking, there is a slight difference 
between it and the falling inflection, but for all practical purposes 
they may be considered as one and the same. It 'is of some im- 
portance, and requires attention to be able to close a sentence 
gracefully. The ear, however, is the best guide on this point. 

Parts of a sentence often make complete sense in themselves, and 
in this case, unless qualified or restrained by the succeeding clause, 
or unless the contrary is indicated by some other principle, the 
falling inflection takes place, according to the rule ; as, 

Truth is wonderful^, even more so than fiction\ 

Men generally die as they live\ and by their lives we must judge of 
their character^. 

By industry we obtain wealth\ and persevering exertion will seldom 
be unrewarded\ 

Exception. — When a sentence concludes with a negative clause, 
or with a contrast or comparison, (called also antithesis), the first 
member of which requires the falling inflection, it must close with 
the rising inflection. See Rule VI, and 2§, Note. Examples : 

No one desires to be thought a fool / . 
I come to bury v Caesar, not to praise / him. 
If we care not for others\ we ought at least to respect ourselves / 
He lives in Eugland\ not in France'. 



16 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

In bearing testimony to the general character of a man we say, 
He is too honorable 7 to be guilty of a vile act\ 

But if he is accused of some act of baseness, a contrast is, at 
once, instituted between his character and the specified act, and we 
change the inflections, and say, 

He is too honorable^ to be guilty of such 7 an act. 

A man may say, in general terms, 

I am too busy 7 for projects\ 

But if he is urged to embark in some particular enterprise, he 
will change the inflections, and say, 

I am too busy s for projects 7 . 

In such cases, as the falling inflection is required in the former 
part, by the principle of contrast and emphasis, (as will hereafter 
be more fully explained,) the sentence necessarily closes with the 
rising inflection. 

Sometimes also, emphasis alone seems to require the rising 
inflection on the concluding word. See exception to Rule II. 

Remark. — As a sentence generally ends with the falling inflection, 
harmony and variety of sound seem to require, that the last but one 
should be the rising inflection. Such, in fact, is the very common 
custom of speakers, even though this part of the sentence, where 
the rising inflections w uld fall, should form complete sense. This 
principle may, therefore, be considered as sometimes giving authority 
for exception to the rule. This may be illustrated by the following 
sentence. If read according to the Rule, it would be inflected thus: 

Hearken to thy father who hath cherished v thee, and despise not thy 
mother when she is old\ 

If read in accordance with the principle above stated, it would 
be inflected thus : 

Hearken to thy father who hath cherished 7 thee, and despise not thy 
mother when she is old\ 

If the two words only, " cherished" and "old" are inflected, 
the latter perhaps would be the correct reading, but let the word 
" mother " be also inflected, and the two principles no longer con- 
flict with each other. It would then be read as follows : 

Hearken to thy Father who hath cherished N thee, and despise not thy 
mother 7 when she is old\ 



FALLING INFLECTION. 17 



In many cases, however, it may be necessary that one or the 
other of these principles should give way. Which of them should 
yield, in any given case, must depend upon the construction of the 
sentence, the nature of the style and subject, and often, upon the 
taste of the speaker. 

Rule 1 1. — Language which demands strong empha- 
sis, generally requires the falling inflection. 

Under this head may be specified the following particulars : 
1§. Command, or urgent entreaty; as, 

Begone\ 

Run v to your houses, fall v upon your knees. 

Pray v to the Gods to intermit the plagues. 

Answer v me, to what I ask you. 

save v me, Hubert\ save N me ; my eyes are out 

Even with the fierce looks of these bloody men. 

2§. Exclamation, especially when indicating strong emotion ; as, 

Oh, ye GodsM ye Gods*! must I endure all this ? 

HarkM harkM the horrid sound 

Hath raised up his head. 

A present deityM they shout around, 

A present deityM the vaulted roofs rebound. 

For remarks on the interrogatory exclamation, see Rule V, Note. 

3§. In a series of words or members, where each particular is 
specified with some degree of emphasis, if it be a commencing series, 
the falling inflection is proper at each word or member, except the 
last, which must have the rising inflection ; if it be a concluding 
series, the falling inflection is given to each word or member, except 
the last but one, which requires the rising inflection. 

EXAMPLES OP COMMENCING SERIES. 

Wine\ beauty\ music\ pomp', are poor expedients to heave off the 
load of an hour from the heir of eternity\ 

Absalom's beauty\ Jonathan's love\ David's valor\ Solomon's wis- 
dom\ the patience of Job\ the prudence of Augustus\ the eloquence 
of Cicero\ and the intelligence of all 7 , though faintly amiable in the 
creature, are found in immense perfection in the Creator^. 

I conjure you by that which you profess, 
(Howe'er you came to know it,) answer me ; 
Though you untie the winds and let them fight 
Against the churches v ; though the yeasty waves 



18 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

Confound and swallow navigation up ; 

Though bladed corn be lodged, and trees blown down v ; 

Though castles topple on their warder's heads N ; 

Though palaces and pyramids do slope 

Their heads to their foundations^; though the treasures 

Of nature's germens tumble aUogether\ 

Even till destruction sicken 7 ; answer me 

To what I ask s you. 

Such series as the above, whether in the beginning or middle of 
a sentence, if they do not conclude the sentence, are called com- 
mencing series. If, however, they close the sentence, they are 
called concluding series. 

EXAMPLES OP CONCLUDING SERIES. 

They passed o'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp ; 

Rocks\ caves\ lakes N , fens\ bogs\ dens 7 , and shades of death\ 

They, through faith, subdued kingdoms\ wrought righteousness\ 
obtained promises v , stopped the mouths of lions\ quenched the vio- 
lence of fire\ escaped the edge of the sword\ out of weakness were 
made strong\ waxed valiant in fight 7- , turned to flight the armies of 
aliens\ 

Note. — When the emphasis on these words or members, is 
not marked, they take the rising inflection, according to Rule 
IV; as, 

They are the offspring of restlessness 7 , vanity'*, and idleness^. 
Love 7 , hope 7 , and joy 7 took possession of his breast. 

4§. "When words, which naturally take the rising inflection, 
become emphatic by repetition or any other cause, they often take 
the falling inflection. For examples, see Exceptions to Rules IV. 
and V. 

Exception to tJie Rule. — While the tendency of emphasis is 
decidedly to the use of the falling inflection, sometimes a word to 
which the falling inflection naturally belongs, when it becomes 
emphatic, changes this for the rising inflection ; as, 

Three thousand ducats\ 't is a good round sum''. 

It is useless to point out the beauties of nature to one who is blind/. 

Here sum and blind, according to Rule I, would take the falling 
inflection, but as they are emphatic, and the object of emphasis is 
to draw attention to the word emphasized, this is here accom- 
plished, in part, by giving an unusual inflection. Some speakers 
would give these words the circumflex, but it would be the rising 
circumflex, so that the sound would still terminate with the rising 
inflection. 



FALLING INFLECTION.- 19 

Rule III. — Questions, which can not % be answered 
by yes or no, together with their answers, generally require 
the falling inflection; as, 

"Where has he gone v ? Ans. To New York\ 

What has he done v ? Ans. Nothing\ 

Who did this v ? Ans. I know not\ 

When did he go v ? Ans. Yesterday\ 

Note. — If these questions are repeated, the inflection is 
changed, according to the principle stated under the Exception to 
Rule II; as, 

Where did you say he had gone / ? 
When did he go 7 ? 

Questions. — What is the first rule for the use of the falling inflec- 
tion? Give an example. When this occurs at the close of a sentence, what 
is it called? What is said about the manner of closing a sentence? What 
is the best guide on this point? Where else may the sense be complete? 
What inflection must be used in this case? Give an example. What is the 
exception to the first rule? Give an example. What is antithesis? What 
is the substance of the remark? Explain the example. Repeat the second 
rule. What is the first particular under this rule? Give an example. 
What is the second particular? Give an example. What is the third head 
under this rule? What is a commencing series? What is a concluding 
series? Give examples. Repeat the note, and give the examples under it. 
What is the fourth head under this rule? Repeat the exception. Give the 
examples. What is supposed to be the reason of the exception? Repeat 
the third rule for the use of the falling inflection, If these questions are 
repeated, what inflection is used? 



III. RISING INFLECTION. 



As the completeness of the sense forms the first rule for the use 
of the falling inflection, so the converse of that principle forms a 
guide for the use of the rising inflection, and may be expressed 
thus : 

Rule IV. — Where a pause is rendered proper by the 
meaning, and the sense is incomplete, the rising inflection 
is generally required ; as, 

To endure slander and abuse with meekness 7 , requires no ordinary- 
degree of self-eommand\ 

Night coming on 7 , both armies retired from the field of battle\ 
As a dog returneth to his vomit 7 , so a fool returneth to his iblly\ 



20 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 



The person or # object addressed, comes under this head; as, 

Fathers 7 ! we once again are met in council. 

My lords / ! and gentlemen 7 ! we have arrived at an awful crisis. 

Age 7 ! thou art shamed. 

Rome 7 ! thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods ! 

Exception. — Where a word, which, according to this rule, re- 
quires the rising inflection, becomes emphatic, it generally must 
have the falling inflection, according to Rule 11 ° as, 

When Ave aim at a high standard, if we do not attain''' it, we shall 
secure a high degree of excellence. 

Those who mingle with the vicious, if they do not become depraved^, 
will lose all delicacy of feeling. 

So also, when a child addresses his father, he first says, Father 7 ! 
but if he repeats it emphatically, he changes the inflection, and 
says, Father'! Father'! 

Note . — The principle of this rule will be found to apply espe- 
cially to the last pause before a cadence, as that is generally the 
most interesting point of suspension. See examples under Rule 
II, 3§. Harmony of sound, also, seems to require the rising in- 
flection at this place, even when other reasons would indicate the 
contrary. See Rule I, Remarks. 

Rule V . — Questions which may be answered by yes 
or no, generally require the rising, and their answers the 
falling inflection ; as, 

Has he arrived 7 ? Yes\ 

Will he return 7 ? No\ 

Does the law condemn him 7 ? It does not\ 

Exception. — If these questions are repeated emphatically, they 
take the falling inflection, according to Rule II ; as, 

Has he arrived v ? 
Will he return v ? 

Note. — When a word or sentence is repeated as a kind of 
interrogatory exclamation, the rising inflection is used, according 
to the principle of this Rule ; as, 

You ask, who would venture N in such a cause ? Who would venture' I 
Rather say, who would not N venture all things for such an object? 

He is called the friend N of virtue. The friend' I ay 1 the enthusi- 
astic lover\ the devoted protector\ rather. 

So, also, when one receives unexpected information, he exclaims, 
ah 7 ! indeed 7 ! 



RISING INFLECTION. 21 

In the above examples, the words " venture/' " friend," " ah/' 
&c, may be considered as interrogatory exclamations, because, if 
the sense were carried out, it would be in the form of question ; 
as, " Do you ask who would venture'? " " Do you say that he is 
the friend' of virtue ? " " Is it possible' ? " and thus, they would 
receive the rising inflection according to this rule. 

Questions. — Repeat Rule IY. Of what rule is this the converse or 
opposite? Give some of the examples under this rule. What inflection 
has the person addressed? Give examples. Give the exception to Rule 
IY, and examples. To what does the principle of this rule especially 
apply? Repeat the exception. Repeat Rule Y. Give examples. Repeat 
the note, and explain the examples. 



IV. BOTH INFLECTIONS. 
Rule VI . — The different members of a sentence 
expressing comparison, or contrast, or negation and 
affirmation, or where the parts are united by or used 
disjunctively, require different inflections ; generally the 
rising inflection in the first member, and the falling inflec- 
tion in the second member. This order is, however, some- 
times inverted. 

1 §. Comparison and contrast. This is also called antithesis. 

EXAMPLES. 

By all things approving ourselves the ministers of God ; by honor/, 
<ind dishonor^ ; by evil 7 report, and good v report ; as deceivers 7 , and 
yet true v ; as unknown 7 , and yet well N known; as dying 7 , and behold 
we live v ; as chastened 7 , and not killed v ; as sorrowful 7 , yet always 
rejoicing^; as poor 7 , yet making many rich v ; as having nothing 7 , and 
yet possessing all v things. 

Europe was one great battlefield, where the weak struggled for 
freedom 7 , and the strong for dominion\ The king was without power 7 , 
and the nobles, without principle\ They were tyrants at home 7 , and 
robbers abroad\ 

Negation and affirmation. 

EXAMPLES. 

He desired not to injure 7 his friend, but to protect v him. 
We desire not your money 7 , but yourselves^. 
I did not say a better 7 soldier, but an elder\ 

If the affirmative clause comes first, the order of the inflections 
is inverted ; as, 



22 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

He desired to protect his friend, not to injure / him. 
We desire yourselves^, not your money 7 . 
I said an elder v soldier, not a better 7 . 

The affirmative clause is sometimes understood; as, 

We desire not your money 7 . 

I did not say a better 7 soldier. 

The region beyond the grave, is not a solitary 7 land. 

In most negative sentences standing alone, the corresponding 
affirmative is understood ; hence the following 

Note . — Negative sentences, whether alone or connected with 
an affirmative clause, generally end with the rising inflection. 

If such sentences are repeated emphatically, they take the 
falling inflection, according to Kule II ; as, 

We do not" desire your money. 
I did not K say a better soldier. 

3§. Or used disjunctively. 

EXAMPLES. 

Did he behave properly 7 , or improperly^? 

Are they living 7 , or deacT? 

Is he rich 7 , or poor\ 
Does God, having made his creatures, take no further 7 care of them, 
does he preserve, and guide v them ? 

Note. — Where or is used conjunctively, this rule does not 
apply; as, 

Will the law of kindness 7 or of justice 7 justify such conduct 7 ? 

Questions. — What is the Rule VI? What is the first head under this 
rule? Give an example. What is the second head? Give examples. If 
the affirmative clause comes first, in what order are the inflections used? 
Give examples. Is either clause ever omitted? Repeat the note. If sen- 
tences requiring the rising inflection are repeated emphatically, what 
inflections are used? What is the third head under this rule? Give 
examples. Repeat the note. 



V. CIRCUMFLEX. 

The circumflex is a union of the rising and falling inflections 
upon the same sound. Properly speaking, there are two of these, 
the one called the rising circumflex, in which the voice slides down 
and then up ; and the other, the falling circumflex, in which the 



CIRCUMFLEX. 23 



voice slides upward and then downward on the same vowel. 
They may both be denoted by the same mark; thus ( A ). The 
circumflex is used chiefly to indicate the emphasis of irony ; or of 
contrast, or of hypothesis. 

Queen. Hamlet, you have your father much offended. 
Hamlet. Madam, you have my father much offended. 

This is the emphasis of contrast. The queen had poisoned her 
husband, of which she incorrectly supposed her son ignorant, and 
she blames him for treating his father-in-law with disrespect. In 
his reply, Hamlet contrasts her deep crime with his own slight 
offense, and the circumflex upon you, becomes proper. 

They offer us their protection. Yes\ such protection, as vultures 
give to lambs, covering and devouring them. 

Here the emphasis is ironical. The Spaniards pretended, that 
they would protect the Peruvians, if they would submit to them, 
whereas, it was evident, that they merely desired to plunder and 
destroy them. Thus their protection is ironically called such pro- 
tection as vultures give to lambs, &c. 

I knew when seven justices could not make up a quarrel ; but when 
the parties met themselves, one of them thought but of an if; as, if 
you said so, then I said so ; ho ! did you say so ? So they shook 
hands and were sworn brothers. 

In this example, the word u so " is used hypothetical^, that is, 
it implies a condition or supposition. It will be observed that the 
rising circumflex is used in the first " so," and the falling, in the 
second, because the first "so" must end with the rising inflection, 
and the second, with the falling inflection, according to previous 
rules. 

Questions. — "What inflections are united to form the circumflex? 
Explain the two kinds of circumflex. What does the circumflex indicate? 
Give an example in which it is used to indicate the emphasis of contrast, 
and explain it. Explain the one in which the emphasis of irony is illus- 
trated. Give the last example and explain it. 



VI. MONOTONE. 

When no word in a sentence is inflected, it is said to be read 
in a monotone; that is, in nearly the same tone throughout. 
This uniformity of tone is occasionally adopted, and is fitted to 
express solemnity or sublimity of idea, and sometimes intensity 
of feeling. It is used, also, when the whole sentence or phrase 



24 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

is emphatic. In books of elocution, when it is marked at all, it is 
generally marked thus ( — ), as in the fourth line following. 

Hence ! loathed Melancholy ! 

Where brooding darkness spreads her jealous wings, 

And the night raven sings ; 

There, under ebon shades and low-browed rocks, 

As ragged as thy locks, 

In dark Cimmerian darkness ever dwell. 

Questions. — When is a sentence said to be read in amonotone? When 
is the monotone appropriate? Which line in the example is to be read in 
this way? Why? 



SECTION V. 

ACCENT. 

In every word, which contains more than one syllable, one of the 
syllables is pronounced with a somewhat greater stress of voice, 
than the others ; as, lovd-ly, where this stress is on the first sylla- 
ble ; and, re-turn', where it is on the last syllable. This syllable is 
said to be accented. The accented syllable is distinguished by this 
mark ( ' ), the same which is used in inflections. 

In most cases, custom is the only guide for placing the accent 
on one syllable rather than another. Sometimes, however, the 
same word is differently accented, in order to mark its different 
meanings; as, 

CW-jure, to practice enchantments, and conjure', to entreat. 
GaV-lant, brave. g&l-lant', a gay fellow, 

.^u'-gust, a month. an-gust', grand, &c. 

A number of words, also, have their accent on one syllable when 
verbs or adjectives, and on another, when nouns; as, 

Sub'-ject, the noun; and to sub-j^d', the verb. 
Pres'-ent, to ■present', 

Con'-duct, to con-duct', 

0Z/-ject, to object', 

Question s. — When is a syllable said to be accented ? Give an example. 
How is the accented syllable marked? What is generally the guide for 
placing the accent? When is the same word differently accented 7 Give an 
example under each head. 



EMPHASIS. 25 



SECTION VI. 

EMPHASIS. 

That stress of voice wliich marks the accent, when increased, 
forms emphasis. A word is said to be emphasized, when it is 
uttered with a greater stress of voice, than the other words with 
which it is connected. This increased stress is, generally, not upon 
the whole word, but only upon the accented syllable. The object 
of emphasis is, to attract particular attention to the word upon 
which it is placed, indicating, that the idea to be conveyed, depends 
very much upon that word. This object, as just stated, is generally 
accomplished by increasing the force of utterance, but sometimes, 
also, other methods are used, as, for instance, a change in the inflec- 
tion, the use of the monotone, or by uttering the words in a very 
low or whispering tone. Emphatic words are often denoted by 
italics, and a still stronger emphasis, by capitals. Emphasis con- 
stitutes the most important feature in reading and speaking, and, 
properly applied, gives life and character to language. Accent, 
inflection, and, indeed, every thing yields to emphasis. The inflec- 
tions, especially, are auxiliary to it In the article on that subject, 
it has already been observed, how often they yield to emphasis, or 
are used to enforce it. In the following examples, it will be seen 
that accent, in like manner, is governed by it. 

What is done, can not be undone. 

There is a difference between giving and forgiving. 

He that c&scended is the same that ascended. 

Some appear to make very little difference detween decency and 
indecency, morality and immorality, religion and irreligion. 

There is no better illustration of the nature and importance of 
emphasis, than the following example, which is substantially the 
same with one given by Blair, and which has been often quoted. 
It will be observed that the meaning and proper answer of the 
question varies with each change of the emphasis. 

Did you walk into the city yesterday? Ans. No, my brotlier went. 

Did you walk into the city yesterday? Ans. No, I rode. 

Did you walk into the city yesterday? Ans. No, I went into the country. 

Did you walk into the city yesterday f Ans. No, I went the day before. 



I. ABSOLUTE EMPHASIS. 

Sometimes a word is emphasized simply to indicate the impo* 
tance of the idea. This is called absolute emphasis. 



26 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

The following are examples : 

To arms ! they come ! the Greek ! the Greek I 
Strike — till the last armed foe expires, 
Strike — for your altars and your fires, 
Strike — for the green graves of your sires, 
God — and your native land. 

"Woe unto you Pharisees ! Hypocrites ! 

Days, months, years, and ages, shall circle away, 
And still the vast waters above thee shall roll. 

In instances like the last, it is sometimes called the cmphasi* of 
specification. 



II. RELATIVE EMPHASIS. 

Words are often emphasized, in order to exhibit the idea they 
express, as compared or contrasted with some other idea. This is 
called relative emphasis. The following are examples : 

It is much better to be injured, than to injure. 

They fight for plunder, we, for our country. 

Homer was the greater genius, Virgil, the better artist. 

This is sometimes carried through several sets or pairs of anti, 
diesis, or contrasted words ; as, 

A friend can not be known in prosperity; an enemy can not be hidden 
in adversity. 

They follow an adventurer whom they fear ; we serve a monarch 
whom we love. 

In many instances one part only of the antithesis is expressed, 
the corresponding idea being understood ; as, 

A. friendly eye would never see such faults. 

Here the unfriendly eye is understood. 

King Henry exclaims, while vainly endeavoring to compose 
himself to rest, 

How many thousands of my subjects are at this hour asleep. 

Here the emphatic words thousands, subjects, and 'asleep, are 
contrasted in idea with their opposites, and if the contrasted ideas 
were expressed, it would be done something in this way : 

"While I alone,, their sovereign, am doomed to wakefulness. 



EMPHATIC PHRASE AND PAUSE. 



III. EMPHATIC PHRASE. 

Sometimes, several words in succession are emphasized. The 
following are examples. 

Shall I, the conqueror of Spain and Gaul, and not only of the 
Alpine nations, but of the Alps themselves — shall I compare myself 

With this HALF YEAR CAPTAIN ? 

Shall we try argument ? Sir, we have been trying that for the last 

TEN YEARS. 

And if thou said'st, I am not peer 
To any lord in Scotland here, 
Lowland or Highland, far or near, 
Lord Angus — thou — hast — LIED ! 



IV. EMPHATIC PAUSE. 

An emphatic expression of sentiment often requires a pause, 
where the grammatical construction authorizes none. This is 
sometimes called the rhetorical pause. Such pauses occur, chiefly, 
before or after an emphatic word or phrase, and sometimes both 
before and after it. Their object is, to attract attention to the 
emphatic idea, or to give the mind time to dwell upon it, and thus 
increase the impression. Examples : 

'Rise- — fellow men ! our country — yet remains ! 
By that dread name we wave the sword on high, 
And swear for her — to live — with her — to die. 

But most — by numbers judge the poet's song ; 

And smooth or rough, with them is — right or wrong. 
He said ; then full before their sight 
Produced the beast, and lo ! — H was white. 

Questions. — When is a word said to be emphasized? Upon what 
part of the word is the increased stress placed? What is the object of 
emphasis? In what other way, than the one just mentioned, can this be 
accomplished? How are emphatic words marked? What is said of the 
importance of emphasis? What other things yield to emphasis? Give 
some examples in which accent yields to it. What is absolute emphasis? 
Give examples. What is meant by relative emphasis? Give the examples, 
and show the words contrasted. Give the examples, in which the emphasis 
is carried through several sets of contrasted words, and point out Avhich 
words are opposed to each other. Is the idea corresponding to the em- 
phatic word ever left out? Explain the two last examples under this head, 
and show what is the idea opposed to friendly, in the one, and what are 
opposed to thousands, subjects, and asleep, in the other. What is meant by 
the emphatic phrase? Give the examples. What do you understand by the 
emphatic pause? Where does it occur? What is its object? Give example*. 



28 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 



SECTION VII. 

POETIC PAUSES. 

In poetry, we have three sets of pauses, viz., grammatical 
pauses, rhetorical pauses, which two are common to poetry and 
prose, and poetic pauses, which are peculiar to poetry. The 
object of these latter is simply to promote the melody. 

At the end of each line, a slight pause is generaMy proper, 
whatever be the grammatical construction or the sense. The pur- 
pose of this is, to make prominent the melody of the measure, 
and, in rhyme, to allow the ear to appreciate the harmony of the 
similar sounds. 

There is, also, another important pause, somewhere near the 
middle of each line, which is called the cesura, or cesural pause. 
In the following lines it is marked thus, 

There are hours long departed — which memory brings, 
Like blossoms of Eden — to twine round the heart, 

Arid as time rushes by — on the might of his wings, 
They may darken awhile — but they never depart. 

The cesural pause should never be so placed as to injure the 
sense. The following lines, if melody alone were consulted, would 
be read thus, 

With fruitless la — bor, Clara bound, 

And strove to stanch — the gushing wound ; 

The Monk with un — availing cares, 

Exhausted all — the churches prayers. 

This manner of reading, however, it will be readily perceived, 
would very much interfere with the proper expression of the idea. 
This is to be corrected, by making the cesural pause yield to the 
sense. The melody is not injured by this, as much as might be 
supposed. The above lines should be read thus, 

With fruitless labor — Clara bound, 
And strove to stanch — the gushing wound ; 
The Monk — with unavailing cares, 
Exhausted — all the churches prayers. 

Sometimes, where the sense requires it, two cesural pauses may 
be made instead of one, as in some of the following lines : 

Soldier, rest ! — thy warfare o'er, 

Sleep the sleep — that knows not breaking ; 

Dream — of battle fields — no more, 
Days of danger — nights of waking. 



POETIC PAUSES. 29 



" Ah, wretch ! " — in wild anguish — he cried, 

" From country — and liberty — torn ! 
Ah, Maratan ! — would thou hadst died, 

Ere o'er the salt waves — thou wert borne." 

In lines like the following, three cesural pauses are proper. 
The first and last are slight, and are sometimes called demi- 
ce suras. 

Our bugles-sang truce — for the night cloud-had lowered, 

And the sentinel stars — set their watch-in the sky ; 
And thousands-had sunk — on the ground-overpowered ; 
The weary-to sleep — and the wounded-to die. 

Questions . — How many kinds of pauses are used in poetry? "Which 
of them are common to both poetry and prose? Which is used in poetry 
alone? What is the object of this latter kind of pauses? Where is a slight 
pause generally proper? What is its object? What other pause in poetry 
is used? What is it called? Point it out in the example. What caution is 
given with regard to its use? Explain this by the example given in the 
lines " With fruitless labor," &c. When may there be two cesural pauses? 
When there are three, what are the first and last called? 



EXERCISES IN INFLECTION AND EMPHASIS. 

In these examples, the words to be inflected and emphasized have 
the appropriate mark, and the principles applicable to them are 
explained by reference to the proper rule. 

ON THE DEATH OF FRANKLIN. 
(To be read in a solemn tone.) 

Franklin is dead\ The genius who freed America', and 
poured a copious stream of knowledge throughout Europe', is 
returned unto the bosom of the Divinity". The sage to whom 
two worlds' lay claim, the man for whom science' and polities' are 
disputing, indisputably enjoyed an elevated rank in human nature\ 

The cabinets of princes have been long in the habit of notifying 
the death of those who were great' , only in their funeral orations'. 
Long hath the etiquette of courts', proclaimed the mourning of 
hypocrisy". Nations' should wear mourning for none but their 
benefactor s\ The representatives' of nations should recommend to 
public homage', only those who have been the heroes of humanity*. 

All the inflections in the above extract are explained by Rules I and 
IV, Sec. IV. 

BONAPARTE. 

He knew no motive' but interest; acknowledged no criterion- 
but success"; he worshiped no God' but ambition", and with an 



30 DIRECTIONS FOR READING. 

eastern devotion' he knelt at the shrine of his idolatry'. Subsi- 
diary to this, there was no creed' that he did not profess*, there 
was no opinion' that he did not -promulgate*; in the hope of a 
dynasty' j he upheld the crescent'"; for the sake of a divorce', be 
bowed before the cross"; the orphan of JSt. Louis', he became the 
adopted child of the republic''; and with a parricidal ingratitude', 
on the ruins both of the throne and the tribune' , he reared the 
throne of his despotism". 

At his touch', crowns' crumbled*; beggars' reigned*; systems' 
vanished*; the wildest theories' took the color of his whim*; and 
all that was venerable*, and all that was novel', changed places 
with the rapidity of a drama*. Nature had no obstacle' that he 
did not surmount*; space no opposition' he did not spurn*; and 
whether amid Alpine rocks*, — Arabian sands*, — or Polar snows' ', — 
he seemed proof x against peril', and empowered with ubiquity". 

The inflections in the above extract are chiefly explained by the 
principle of antithesis and series. Rules VI and II, 3$, Sec. IV. 

hamlet's reflections on seeing the skull of yorick. 

Alas ! poor Yorick'! 1 I knew him, well*, 2 Horatio'; 3 a fellow 
of infinite jest', 4 of most excellent fancy'. 2 He hath borne me on 
his back', 3 a thousand times'; 2 and now', s how abhorred in 1113^ 
imagination is this skull'! 2 My gorge rises' at it. 2 Here hung 
those lips that I have kissed, I know not how oft'. 2 Where are 
your gibes', 5 now?* your gambols"?* your songs*? 5 your flashes of 
merriment", 5 that were wont to set the table in a roar'? 5 Not one' ? 
now, to mock your grinning'? 6 quite chop/alien' '?* Now get you to 
my lady's chamber', 8 and tell her', 3 if she paint an inch thick",' 7 
yet to this favor' J will she come at last'. 2 

•Sec IV, Rule II, 2£ 2 Rule I. 3 Rule IV. "Rule I, Remark. 
s Rule III. *Now is contrasted with the past, and the circumflex is 
proper. 6 Rule V. 7 Rule IV, Exception or Rule II, 4£. 8 Rule II, lg. 

EXTRACT FROM A DESCRIPTION OF THE BATTLE OF FLODDEN FIELD- 

Yet still Lord Marmion's falcon flew' 1 
With wavering flight', 2 while fiercer grew 

Around', 1 the battle yell'. 2 
The border slogan rent the sky', 2 
A Home*! 3 a Gordon*! 3 was the cry'; 2 

Loud' 1 were the clanging blows'; 2 
Advanced', 4 — forced back', 4 — now low' 4 — now high' 4 

The pennon sunk' 4 — and rose'; 4 
As bends the bark's mast in the gale', 1 
When rent are rigging', 5 shrouds', 5 and sail', 5 

It wavered 'mid the foes\ 2 



EXERCISES IN INFLECTION AND EMPHASIS. 33 

The war', 1 that for a space did fail'/ 
Now treblythundering swelled the gale', 8 

And 71 — Stanley'! 3 was the cry*; 2 
A light on Marmion's visage spread', 8 

And fired his glazing eye': 2 — 
"With dying hand', 1 above his head', 1 
He shook the fragment of his blade', 6 

And shouted', 1 — " Victor?/'! 3 
Charge',' 7 Chester', 1 charge'! 1 On', 1 Stanley', 1 on'!' "-— 

Were the last words of Marmion. 2 

»Sec IV, Rule IT. 2 Rule I. 3 Rule II, 2f. <Ruie VI, If. 5 Rule 
II, 31 6 Rule I, Remark. 7 Rule II, lg. 

SHTLOCK'S REPLY TO ANTONIO. 

Seignor Antonio', 1 many a time', 1 and oft', 1 

In the Rialto, you have rated' 1 me 

About my moneys', 2 and my usances': 2 

Still have I borne it with a patient shrug*; 2 

For sufferance' 1 — is the badge of all our tribe. 2 

You called me' 1 — misbeliever 2 — cut-throat dog' 2 

And SPIT 15 — upon my Jewish gaberdine'; 2 

And all for use of that which is my own'. 2 

Weir, 8 then', 8 it now' 1 appears you need my help ? 

Go to, then', 8 you come to me', 1 and you say', 1 

" Shylock', we would have moneys'." 2 You* say so 1 , 2 

You* that did void your rheum upon my beaixT, 2 

And foot' 3 me, as you spurn a stranger cur' 3 

Over your threshold'. 2 Moneys 4 is your suit'. 2 

What should I say' to you ? 5 Should I not say', 8 

Hath a dog 4 — money P — is it possible', 6 

A cue, 4 — can lend three thousand ducats'? 6 or', 1 

Shall I bend loiv', 9 and in a bondman's key', 1 

With bated breath', 1 and whispering humbleness', 1 

Say this'P 

" Fair sir'! 1 you spit' 1 on me, on Wednesday last', 1 

You spurned' 1 me, such a day'; 1 another time' 1 

You called me' 1 — dog'; 1 and for these — courtesies* 

I '11 lend you thus much — moneys' 2 ? " 

»Sec. IV, Rule IV. 2 Rule I. 3 Rule IV, Exception, and Rule II, 
4g. 4 Circumflex, because his present request is contrasted with his 
former abuse. Dog, cur, and courtesies are also used ironically. 
•Rule III. 6 Rule V. 'Rule II, or I. The order is inverted. The 
regular order would be thus: "On Wednesday last', you sjrit s on me." 
" On such a day', you spurned s me." 8 Rule II, 2§. These phrases 
have the nature of exclamation. 9 Rule VI, 3g. 



SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS 



T» road with an appropriate tone, to pronounce every syllable properly and 
distinctly, and to observe the pauses, are the three most difficult points to bo 
gained in making good readers. These points will require constant attention 
throughout the whole course of instruction upon this subject. Such other direc- 
tions for reading, and such general rules as are considered of practical utility, 
will bo found in the Introductory Article, and preceding the several lessons. 

If teachers will classify with reference to particular defects, it will much abridge 
the labor of teaching. Let all who read in a low voice, bo put in one class; all 
who pronounce indistinctly, in another ; and those who read too fast, in a third 
class, and let especial attention be paid to each of these faults. If pupils are 
required to criticise each other's reading, and go toward the head of the class as 
they correct faults, it sustains interest in tho exercise, and makes them more 
careful in reading. 

But while one thing should be prominently attended to at a time, many things 
may be joined collaterally, if proper pains bo taken. Let a class be called to 
read. The teacher requires the pupil to pay particular attention to emphasis. 
But he may, at the same time, direct them to stand at different distances while 
they read the lessons; and thus secure a proper attention to force or loudness of 
utterance. Let the teacher sometimes place his class as far from his desk as the 
room will permit, and require the lesson to be read in a suppressed tone, but so 
distinctly as to be audible throughout the room ; and in this way he will most 
effectually secure distinct articulation. 

But this book is designed for other purposes than merely to teach the pupil to 
read. The selections have been made with constant reference to the improve- 
ment of the mind, as well as to the cultivation of the voice. Many of these 
lessons require thought, and an extensive range of reading, in order to be appre- 
ciated, and before they can be comprehended. Let the teacher then, as well as 
tho pupils, study the lessons. Let him require, that the substance of what has 
been read, be continuously narrated by the pupils, without recurrence to the book. 
Let him direct that this be written down with no other appliances at hand than 
pen, ink, and paper. Let each pupil be so situated, that he can derive no assist- 
ance from his fellow pupil ; and then let the narratives, both oral and written, bo 
the subject of severe but candid criticism by the teacher and the other pupils, as 
to the style, pronunciation, grammar, and penmanship. 

Let the teacher sometimes read aloud a lesson to his class, having previously 
removed every means of taking notes while he reads; and then let him require 
each pupil, within a given, but sufficient time, to render in writing, but from 
recollection, an abstract of what he has read. This exenjise improves the atten- 
tion, practices the pen, gives fluency of expression, and a readiness of employ- 
ing the ideas gained in reading, as capital of our own ; and will be found very 
interesting to the pupils, and improving in a greater variety of ways, than many 
other highly approved methods of recitation. 
(32) 



FOURTH READER. 



LESSON I. 



The Exercises in Articulation are, in this edition, placed between the 
lessons instead of before them, as in former editions. 

The common errors in articulation and pronunciation are prefixed to the 
lessons instead of following them. 

The words to be spelled and defined, which in former editions were added 
at the close of each lesson, are here merely marked + in the body of the 
lesson. See " + practice" and "tc-ccupation " in the first paragraph of this 
Reading Lesson. 

The lessons themselves, are in no respect changed, so that this book can 
be used, without the least difficulty, with former editions. 



Pronounce correctly the following words found in this lesson. — 
Oc-cu-pa-tion, not oc-ky-pa-tion : list-en-ed, pro. lis'n'd : cel-lar, not sill- 
ier: op-po-site, not opper-site : half-penny, pro. hap-pen-ny or hapen-ny. 

WORDS TO BE SPELLED AND DEFINED. 



3. Re-du'-ced, p. brought to poverty. 

4. Vi'-o-late, v. to break, to transgress. 

5. In-vest'-i-gate, v. to inquire into. 
Di'-a-lect, n. a form of speech. 

6. Con-front', v. to stand face to face. 



7. Ini-pos'-tor, n. a deceiver. 
At-tor'-ney, n. a lawyer. 
I-den'-ti-ty, n. sameness. 
Ex-trem'-i-ty, n. the utmost distress. 
Op-por-tu'-ni-ty, n. a suitable time. 



RESPECT FOR THE SABBATH REWARDED. 

1. In the city of Bath, not many years since, lived a barber, 
who made a + practice of following his ordinary "^occupation on the 
Lord's day. As he was pursuing his morning's employment, he 
happened to look into some place of worship, just as the minister 
was giving out his text, " Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it 
holy." He listened long enough to be ^convinced that he was 
constantly breaking the laws of God and man, by shaving and dress- 
ing his customers on the Lord's day. He became uneasy, and 
went with a heavy heart to his Sabbath task. 

(33) 



34 MCGUFFEY-S FOURTH READER, 

2. At length he took courage, and opened his mind to his min- 
ister, who adyised him to give up Sabbath dressing, and worship 
God. He replied, that + beggary would be the "*"con sequence. He 
had a flourishing trade, but it would almost all be lost. At length', 
after many a sleepless night spent in weeping and praying, he was 
determined to cast all his care upon Cod', as the more he reflected, 
the more his duty became apparent'. 

3. He discontiDued Sabbath dressing', went constantly and early 
to the public ''"services of religion', and soon enjoyed that ^satisfac- 
tion of mind which is one of the rewards of doing our duty, and 
that peace of God which the world can neither give nor takeaway'. 
The consequences he foresaw, actually followed. His genteel 
customers left him, and he was nicknamed a Puritan', or Methodist'. 
He was obliged to give up his fashionable shop, and, in the course 
of years, became so reduced', as to take a cellar under the old 
market house, and shave the common people'. 

4. One Saturday evening, between light and dark, a stranger 
from one of the coaches, asking for a barber, was directed by the 
"♦"hostler, to the cellar opposite. Coming in hastily, he requested to 
be shaved quickly, while they changed horses, as he did not like to 
violate the Sabhath. This was touching the barber on a tender 
chord. He burst into tears; asked the stranger to lend him a half- 
penny to buy a qandle, as it was not light enough to shave him 
with safety. He did' so, revolving in his mind the extreme 
poverty' to which the poor man must be reduced'. 

5. When shaved, he said, " There must be something '♦'extraor- 
dinary in your history, which I have not now time to hear. Here 
is half a crown for you. When I return, I will call and investi- 
gate your case. What is your name'? " * " William Reed'," said 
the astonished barber. " William Reed'? " echoed the stranger : 
" William Reed' ? by your dialect you are from the West'/' 
Yes, sir, from Kingston, near Taunton." "William Reed', from 
Kingston', near Taunton'? What was your father's' name?" 
"Thomas'." "Had he any brother?" "Yes, sir; one after whom 
I was named ; but he went to the Indies', and, as we never heard' 
from him, we supposed him to be dead'." 

6. "Come along', follow me'," said the stranger, "I am going to 
see a person who says his s name is Yv r illiam Reed, of Kingston, 
near Taunton. Come' and "^confront' him. If you prove to be 
indeed he who you say you are', I have glorious news for you. 
Your uncle is dead', and has left an immense fortune, which I will 
put you in possession of, when ail + legal doubts are removed." 

7. They went by the coach'; saw the ^pretended William Reed', 
and proved him to be an impostor'. The stranger, who was a pious 
attorney', was soon '♦'legally satisfied of the barber's identity, and 
told him that he had ''"advertised him in vain. Providence had now 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 35 

thrown him in his way', in a most extraordinary manner', and he 
had great pleasure in ^transferring a great many thousand pounds' 
to a worthy man', the rightful heir of the property'. Thus was 
man's extremity', Grod's opportunity'. Had the poor barber pos- 
sessed one half-penny* j or even had credit for a candle*, he might 
have remained unknown for years'; but he trusted God v , who never 
said', " Seek ye my face" in vain'. 

Edinburgh Paper. 



Questions. — What excited the barber's attention on the subject of 
keeping the Sabbath? To what conclusion did he come? What was the 
effect upon his business? What circumstance led to his becoming acquainted 
with the fact that he was heir to a large property? Who evidently brought 
about all these things? Are men always rewarded for obeying God? Where 
are they rewarded? 

In the 5th paragraph, at the words "William Reed/' why is the falling 
inflection used in the first instance (Rule III), and the rising inflection, the 
three other times the words are used? (Rule V, Note.) In the 6th para- 
graph, why is the falling inflection used at the words " along," " come," 
" confront? " (Rule II, 1§.) Why the falling inflection at the words "half- 
penny," and "candle," in the last sentence? (Exception to Rule IV, also 
Rule II, 4§.) Why would these words have the rising inflection, if they 
were not emphatic ? (Rule IV.) Give rules for the other inflections marked. 
(I, II, III, and IV.) 

TO TEACHERS. 

In addition to the words at the head of each lesson, which are given as exam- 
ples of the manner in which the exercise of spelling and defining should be 
conducted, others are also selected in the body of the lesson, indicated by +, to 
be spelled and defined, for the purpose of affording practice to the pupil, and 
accustoming him to judge, for himself, of their meaning by their connection. 
This is a very important exercise, and should by no means be neglected, as it 
imparts highly valuable knowledge of the use of words. 

In defining words, that meaning is given which is appropriate to them in the 
connection in which they are used. When they are used in a figurative or pecu- 
liar sense, the definition here given will not be found in a dictionary. When 
there is a wide departure from common use, this is sometimes indicated. 

In orthography, Dr. Webster's authority is followed, as presented in the last 
revised edition of his work ; this being the well-established usage of intelligent 
educators and literary men. 



36 



MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



ARTICULATION. 

To Teachers. — Each difficult word should be uttered clearly, first by its 
elements, and then by their combination, omitting silent letters : as, r-i-ls, ribs, 
d-e-ih, death. (See Eclectic Second Reader, pages 5 and 13, and Third Reader, 
pages 10 and 11.) Then read the sentences carefully and distinctly, 

Kibs, death, cry, crime, orb'd, act, acts, &c. 

The ribs of death. Can you cry, crackers, crime, cruelty, crutcltes ? 
The orb'd moon. It was the worst act of all acts. It is a mixed govern- 
ment. The idle spindle. Long droves of cattle. Their deeds show their 
feelings. The length, and breadth, and depth of the thing. It was 

hi ■jldy a) id holily done. 



LESSON II. 

Pronounce correctly the following words in this lesson. Fel-low, 
not fel-ler : vent-ure (pro. vent-yur), not ven-ler, nor ven-tshur : stim-u- 
la-ted, not stim-my-la-ted : thou-sand, not thou-sun: back-ward, not 
Qaclc-wud : forward, not forbad : ig-no-rant, not ig-ner-unt: el-o-quence, 
not el-er-qiinnce : e-lcv-en (pro. e-lev'n), not lev-un. 



WORDS TO BE SPELLED AND DEFINED. 



1. At-test', v. to bear witness to. 

3. Ac'-tion, n. a claim made before a 

court. 

As-si'-zes, n. a court of justice. 

6. Pkiint'-iff, n. the person who com- 
mences a suit at court. 

7. Pre-ca'-ri-ous, a. uncertain. 
Ju'-ry-man, n. one who serves on a 
jury, and whose business it is to hear 
the evidence and decide which party 
is right in aay given case. 



Ex-cept', v. to object. 
10. Dex'-trous,a. skillful, artful. [gument. 
Ad-du'-ced,^>. brought forward in ar- 
il. Plead'-er, n. one that argues in a 
court of justice. 

De-po'-sed, v. gave evidence on oath. 
Ver'-dict, n. the decision of a jury con- 
cerning the matter referred to them. 
12. Fore'-man, n. the chief man of a jury. 

14. Dem-on-stra'-tion, n. certain proof. 

15. Soph'-ist-ry, n. false reasoning. 



THE JUST JUDGE. 

I. A gentleman who possessed an estate worth about five 
hundred a year, in the eastern part of England, had two sons. 
The eldest being of a + rambling disposition, went abroad. After 
several years, his father died ; when the younger son, destroying 
his will, seized upon the estate. He gave out that his elder 
brother was dead', and +bribed false witnesses' to attest the truth 1 
of it, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 37 



2. In the course of time, the elder brother returned; but came 
home in ^destitute circumstances. His younger brother repulsed 
him with scorn, and told him that he was an +impostor and a cheat. 
He asserted that his real brother was dead long ago ; and he could 
bring witnesses to prove it. The poor fellow, having neither money 
nor friends, was in a sad situation. He went round the parish 
making complaints, and, at last, to a lawyer, who, when he had 
heard the poor man's story, replied, "You have nothing to give 
me. If I undertake your cause and lose' it, it will bring me into 
disgrace', as all the wealth and evidence' are on your brother's' side. 

3. "However, I will undertake it on this condition; you shall 
enter into an ^obligation to pay me one thousand guineas, if I gain 
the estate for you. If I lose' it, I know the consequences' ; and I 
venture with my eyes open'." Accordingly, he entered an action 
against the younger brother, which was to be tried at the next 
general assizes at Chelmsford, in Essex. 

4. The lawyer, having engaged in the cause of the young man, 
and being ^stimulated by the prospect of a thousand guineas, set 
his wits to work to contrive the best method to gain his end. At 
last, he hit upon this happy thought, that he would consult the 
first Judge of his age, Lord Chief Justice Hale. Accordingly, he 
hastened up to London, and laid open the cause, and all its circum- 
stances. The Judge', who was a great lover of justice', heard the 
case attentively, and promised him all the assistance in his power'. 

5. The lawyer having taken leave, the Judge contrived matters 
so as to finish all his business at the King's Bench, before the as- 
sizes began at Chelmsford. When within a short distance of the 
place, he dismissed his man and horses, and sought a single house. 
He found one occupied by a miller. After some conversation', and 
making himself quite agreeable', he proposed to the miller to change 
clotJies" with him. As the Judge had a very good' suit on, the man 
had no reason to object'. 

6. Accordingly, the Judge shifted from top to toe, and put on a 
complete suit of the miller's best. Armed with a miller's hat, and 
shoes, and stick, he walked to Chelmsford, and ^procured good lodg- 
ing, suitable for the assizes, that should come on next day. When 
the trials came on, he walked like an ignorant country fellow, back- 
ward and forward along the county hall. He observed narrowly 
what passed around' him ; and when the court began to fill', he 
found out the poor fellow who was the plaintiff'. 

7. As soon as he came into the hall, the miller drew up to him. 
"Honest friend ," said he, "how is your cause like to go' today?" 
" Why, my cause is in a very precarious situation', and, if I lose it, 
I am ruined for life'." " Well, honest friend'," replied the miller, 
"will you take my advice'? I will let you into a secret") which 
perhaps you do not know" ; every Englishman has the right and 



38 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH 



privilege to except against any one juryman out of the whole 
twelve ; now do you insist upon your privilege, without giving a 
reason why, and, if possible, get me chosen in his room, and I will 
do you all the service in my power.'" 

8. Accordingly, when the clerk had called over the names of the 
jurymen, the plaintiff excepted to one of them. The judge on the 
bench was highly offended with this liberty. " What do you 
mean/' said he, " by excepting against that* gentleman :" " I 
mean, my lord, to assert my privilege as an Englishman, without 
giving a reason why."" 

9. The judge, who had been highly bribed, in order to conceal it 
by a show of candor, and having a confidence in the superiority of 
his party, said, " Well, sir 7 , as you claim your privilege in one' in- 
stance, I will grant* it. Whom would you wish to have in the room 
of that man excepted ? " After a short time, taken in + considera- 
tion, " My lord'," says he, u I wish to have an honest man' chosen 
in ; " and looking round the court — " my lord', there is that miller 
in the court ; we will have him\ if you please." Accordingly, the 
miller was chosen in. 

10. As soon as the clerk of the court had given them all their 
oaths, a little dextrous fellow came into the apartment, and slipped 
ten golden guineas into the hands of eleven jurymen, and gave the 
miller but five. He observed that they were all bribed as well as 
himself, and said to his next neighbor, in a soft whisper, " How 
much have yo\C got T\ " Ten pieces'," said he. But he concealed 
what he had got himself. The cause was opened by the plaintiff's 
counsel'; and all the scraps of evidence they could pick up', were 
''"adduced in his favor'. 

11. The younger brother was provided with a great number of 
witnesses and pleaders, all plentifully bribed, as well as the judge. 
The witnesses deposed, that they were in the self-same country 
when the brother died, and saw him buried. The counselors plead- 
ed upon this '^accumulated evidence ; and every thing went with a 
full tide in favor of the younger brother. The judge summed up 
the evidence with great gravity and deliberation'; " and now, gen- 
tlemen of the jury'," said he, " lay your heads together, and bring 
in your verdict' as you shall deem most just'." 

12. They waited but for a few minutes, before they determined 
in favor of the younger brother. The judge said, " Gentlemen', are 
you agreed' ? and who shall speak' for you ? " " We are all agreed , 
my lord'," replied one, " and our foreman' shall speak for us." — 
" Hoid , my lord'," replied the miller; we are no? all agreed." 
" Why'? " said the judge, in a very surly manner, " what 's the 
matter with yov>? What reasons have you" for disagreeing ? " 

13. "I have several reasons, my lord," replied the miller : "the 
first is, they have given to all these gentlemen of the jury, ten* 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 39 

broad pieces of gold, and to rue but five'; which, you know, is not 
fair. Besides, I have many obj ections to make to the false reason- 
ings of the pleaders, and the "^contradictory evidence of the wit- 
nesses." Upon this, the miller began a discourse, which discovered 
such a vast penetration of judgment, such extensive knowledge of 
law, and was expressed with such manly and energetic eloquence, 
that it astonished the judge and the whole court. 

14. As he was going on with his powerful demonstrations, the 
judge, in great surprise, stopped him. " Where did you come from, 
and who are you 1" " X came from Westminster Hall," replied 
the miller \ u my name is Mathew Hale ; I am Lord Chief Justice 
of the King's Bench. I have observed the '""iniquity of your pro- 
ceedings this day j therefore, come down from a seat which you are 
nowise worthy to hold. You are one of the corrupt parties in this 
iniquitous business. I will come up this moment and try the cause 
all over again." 

15. Accordingly', Sir Matthew went up, with his miller's dress 
and hat on, began the trial from its very commencement', and 
searched every circumstance of truth and falsehood'. He evinced 
the elder brother's title to the estate, from the contradictory evi- 
dence of the witnesses, and the false reasoning of the pleaders ; '''un- 
raveled all the sophistry to the very bottom, and gained a complete 
victory in favor of truth and justice. 

Anonymous. 



Questions. — "What were the circumstances, under which the younger 
brother took possession of his father's estate ? How did he treat his elder 
brother upon his return ? What did the elder brother do ? What plan did 
Chief Justice Hale pursue ? What influenced him to take all this trouble ? 

What are the rules for the inflections in the last sentence of the first par- 
agraph ? (Rules I and IV.) What, for those in the last sentence of the2J 
paragraph ? What, for those marked in the 7th paragraph. (Rules I, II, 
III, IV, and V.) Give the rules for the inflections marked in the 12th para- 
graph. (Rules I, II, III, IV, and V.) Why do the words " ten " and " five," 
in the 13th paragraph, receive different inflections? (Rule VI. Contrast.) 

There are thirteen nouns in the last sentence of the lesson : which are 
they ? What is the singular number of each of them ? The plural number ? 
What does the word noun mean ? See Pinneo's Analytical Grammar. 

^■To Teachers. — Grammatical questions are introduced somewhat 
extensively into this volume, and will be found profitable and interesting to the 
pupil. The teacher may increase and vary them, with advantage, and withoilt 
interfering, at all, with the more direct objects of a reading lesson. This union 
of grammatical study with the daily reading exercise, will give additional interest 
and value tu both, and should not be neglected by the teacher. 



40 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



ARTICULATION. , 

Earth, heart, holds, attempts, hold, hands, &c. 

Articulate distinctly the difficult sounds. Earth that entomb' si 
all my heart holds dear. His attempts were faithless. Hold ojj' your 
hands, gentlemen. The sounds of horses' hoofs were heard. "What 
want'st thou here? It was wrenched by the hand of violence. Their 
singed tops, though bare, will stand. The strength of his -.wstrils is 
terrible. A gentle current rippled by. v IIe barb'd the dart. How do 
you like herbs in your broth? Thou barbs't the dart that wounds thee. 
Thou barUd'st the dart. 



LESSON III. 

Pronounce correctly the following words found in this lesson : 
Fig-ure (pro. fg-yur), not fig-ger: sor-row, not sor-rer: mel-an-chol-y, 
not mel-nn-chid-y : n-n&nce', not fi' -nance: def'-i-cit, not de-fi'-cit: mi's- 
cal-cu-la-tion, not mis-cal-hj-la-tion. 



Ex-te'-ri-or, n. outward appearance. 
De-pict'-ed, p. painted, represented. 
Rev'-e-nues, n. annual income from 
taxes, public rents, <fcc, belonging to 
tho public. 

As-sid'-u-ous, a.veTy attentive, [state. 
Fi-nance', ». income of the king or 



5. Def '-i-cit, n. a deficiency, want. 

6. De-fa.ult'-er, n. one who fails to ac 
count for public money entrusted to 
his care. 

9. Ex-per-i-ment'-al, a. derived from 
experience. 
In-junc'-tion, n. a command. 



THE MANIAC. 



1. A gentleman who had traveled in Europe, relates that he 
one day visited the hospital of Berlin, where he saw a man whose 
exterior was very striking. His figure, tall and commanding, was 
bending with age, but more with sorrow ; the few scattered hairs 
which remained on his temples were white, almost as the driven 
snow, and the deepest "'"melancholy was depicted in his coun- 
tenance. 

2. On inquiring who he was, and what brought him there, he 
started, as if from sleep, and after looking around him, began with 
slow and measured steps to stride the hall, repeating in a low but 
^audible voice, " Once one is two ; once one is two/' 

3. Now and then he would stop and remain with his arms 
folded on his breast, as if in + contemplation, for some minutes; 
then again resuming' his walk, he continued to repeat', " Once 
one is two^ once one is twoV His story', as our traveler under- 
stood it, was asfollows\ 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 41 

4. Conrad Lange', collector of the revenues of the city of Ber- 
lin', had long been known as a man whom nothing could divert 
from the paths of honesty*. + Scrupulously exact in all his deal- 
ings', and assiduous in the discharge of all his duties', he had 
acquired the good will and esteem of all who knew him, and the 
confidence of the minister of finance*, whose duty it is to inspect 
the accounts of all officers' connected wi^h the revenue*. 

5. On casting up his accounts at the close of a particular 
year', he found a deficit' of ten thousand ducats*. Alarmed at 
this discovery', he went to the minister, presented his accounts', 
and informed him that he did not know how it had arisen*, and 
that he had been robbed' by some person bent on his ruin*. 

6. The minister received his accounts, but thinking it a duty to 
secure a person who might probably be a defaulter, he caused him 
to be arrested, and put his accounts into the hands of one of his 
secretaries, for "^inspection, who returned them the day after, with 
the information that the deficiency arose from a miscalculation ; 
that in multiplying, Mr. Lange had said, once one is two, instead 
of, once one is one. 

7. The poor man was immediately released from confinement, 
his accounts returned, and the mistake pointed out. During his 
imprisonment, which lasted two days, he had neither eaten, drank, 
nor taken any repose ; and when he appeared, his countenance was 
as pale as death. On receiving his accounts, he was a long time 
silent ; then suddenly awaking as if from a + trance, he repeated, 
" once one is two/' 

8. He appeared to be entirely insensible of his situation; 
would d either eat nor drink, unless "^solicited; and took notice of 
nothing that passed around him. While repeating his accustomed 
phrase, if any one corrected him by saying, " once one is one ;" 
his attention was arrested for a moment, and he said, " ah, right, 
once one is one;" and then resuming his walk, he continued to 
repeat, " once one is two." He died shortly after the traveler left 
Berlin. 

9. This affecting story, whether true' or untrue*, obviously 
abounds with lessons of instruction*. Alas*! how easily is the 
human mind thrown off its balance*; especially when it is stayed 
on this worlcP only — and has no experimental knowledge of the 
meaning of the injunction of Scripture', to cast all our cares upon 
Him' who careth for us, and who heareth even the young ravens' 
when they cry. Anonymous. 



Q ue st i o ns . — Will you state the circumstances liere narrated ? II ow 
do you account for the unhinging of this man's mind ? Is it common that 
4 



42 



M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



one idea keeps possession of a maniac's mind ? What does this storj 
teach us? 

Give the rules for the inflections marked in paragraphs 3, 4, and 5. 
(Rules I and IV.) In the 9th paragraph, why have the words "true 
and untrue," different inflections? (Rule VI.) 

Which are the adjectives in the first paragraph? Compare each of them. 

fi%t~ To Teacher s. — The Exercises in Articulation are placed between 
the lessons, that they may be practiced before or after reading, or independently, 

at the discretion of tho instructor. 



ARTICULATION. 

Reef 'd, fright, quench'd, laughs, frame. 

They reefed the topsails. No dangers fright him. He quench' d a 
flame. She laughs at him. A frame of adamant. She begg'd par- 
don. Thou look'st from thy throne in the clouds, and laugh' st at the 
storm. The glowworm lights her lamp. The table groans beneath 
its burden. All clothed in rags an infant lay. The birds were all 
fledg'd in the nest. 



LESSON IV. 

PkONOUNCE correctly. Eng-land (pro. Ing-land), not Eng-lund : 
rec'-og-niz'd, not re-cog / -niz'd : whole, not hull: heard (pro. herd), not 
heerd : glo-ri-ous, not glo-rus : min-strel, not min-strul : tourn-ey (pro. 
tum-y), not toorn-y. 



Hom'-age, n. reverence and service 
paid by a subject to his king. 
Bar'-on, n. a lord, a nobleman. 
Duch'-y, n. the territory of a duke. 
Bark, n. a vessel, a small ship. 
Reck'-less, a. careless, thoughtless. 



3. Fes'-tal, a. pertaining to a feast, gay. 
Tourn'-ey, n. (pro. turn'-y) a kind of 
sport in which persons tried their 
courage and skill in fighting with the 
lance and sword, [on an instrument. 
Min'-strel, n. one who sings, and plays 



HE NEVER SMILED AGAIN. 

Henry I, king of England, who commenced his reign A. D. 
1100, had a son called William, a brave and noble-minded youth, 
who had arrived at his eighteenth year. The king loved him 
most tenderly, and took care to have him "'"recognized as his suc- 
cessor by the states of England, and carried him over to Nor- 
mandy, in the north of« France, to receive the homage of the 
barons of that duchy. On the prince's return, the vessel in which 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 43 

lie embarked was + wrecked. He was placed in a boat and might 
have escaped, had he not been called back by the cries of his 
sister. He ^prevailed on the sailors to row back and take her in ; 
but no sooner had the boat approached the wreck, than numbers 
who had been left, jumped into it, and the whole were drowned. 
King Henry, when he heard of the death of his son, fainted away- 
and from that moment, lie never smiled again. 

1. The bark that held the prince went down*, 

The sweeping waves rolled on*; 
And what was England's glorious crown' 

To him that wept a son*? 
He lived* — for life may long be borne 7 , 

Ere sorrow breaks its chain*; 
Still comes not death to those who mourn*; 

He never smiled again*! 

2. There stood proud forms before his throne, 

The ^stately and the brave*; 
But which could fill the place of one*? 

That one beneath the wave. 
Before' him, passed the young and fair 

In pleasure's reckless + train*; 
But seas dashed o'er his son's bright hair ; 

He never smiled again ! 

3. He sat where festal bowls went round*; 

He heard the minstrel* sing ; 
He saw the tourney V victor crowned' 

Amid the mighty ring*; 
A '•"murmur of the ^restless deep' 

Mingled with every strain*, 
A voice of winds that would not sleep*: 

He never smiled again ! 

Hearts, in that time, closed o'er the + trace 

Of + vows once fondly poured*; 
And + strangers took the + kinsman's' place 

At many a + joyous board*, 
Graves', which true love had bathed with tears, 

Were left to heaven's bright rain*; 
Fresh hopes were born for other years : 

He never smiled again ! 

Mks. Hemans. 



Questions. — Relate the historical event upon which this poem is 
founded. How long since did it happen? Where is Normandy? Is 



44 



MCQUFTEY'S FOURTH READER 



there anything in earthly splendor that can soothe the suffering heart? 
Explain the meaning of the 3d stanza. Who are meant by " strangers " 
in the 4th stanza ? How should the fourth line of the 2d stanza be read ? 
(See page 23.) 

Why is the falling inflection used at the word " tourney," at the third 
line of the 3d stanza ? (Rule II.) 

N. B. All the other inflections are explained by Rules I, III, and IV. 

Parse " stately " and " brave " in the 2d stanza. " Poured," in the 
last. For what does he, in the last line, stand ? 



ARTICULATION. 

Large, dead, fish, floating, slew, man's, &c. 

We saw a large dead fish floating. And he slew him. Every man's 
house is his castle. This meteorous vapor is called " Will o' the wisp." 
I thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of my thumb. Braid 
broad braids, my brave babes. We never swerved, but lost our swivel 
gun. Crazy Craycroft caught a crate ofcrinckled crabs. Where is the 
crate of crinckled crabs that crazy Craycroft caught ? 



LESSON V. 

Utter each sound distinctly. U-ni-ver-sal, not u-ni-ver-s'l : be-nev- 
o-lence, not be-nev'l'nce : man-kind, not man-kine : mis-er-ies, not mis'- 
ries: lib-e-ra-ting, not lib'-ra-tin: van-i-ty, not van'-ty : hu-mil-i-ty, not 
hu-miV-ty: phi-los-o-pher, not ph'los'-pher : ut-most, not ut-moce: 
pros-e-cute, not pros' -cute: friend, not fren: op-por-tu-ni-ties, not 
op* -tu-ni-ties : nat-u-ral, not nat'-ral. 



Prqj'-ect, n. a design, a plan, a scheme, 
The'-o-ries, n- schemes, speculation. 
Re-dress', v. to relieve, to indemnify. 
Pros'-e-cute, v. to pursue for punish- 
ment before a legal tribunal. 



Griev'-an-ces, n, whatever oppresses or 

injures, 
Phi-lan'-thro-py,n. the love of mankind. 
Par-ti'-tion, n. division. 
En-gross'-ed, p. entirely taken up. 



TRUE AND FALSE PHILANTHROPHY. 

Mr. Fantom. I despise a narrow* field. for the reign of 
''"universal benevolence'! I want to make all mankind* good and 
happy. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 45 

Mr. Goodman. Dear me*! Sure, that must he a wholesale sort 
of a job : had you not better try your hand at a town' or neighbor- 
hood' first? 

Mr. F. Sir, I have a plan in my head for relieving the "^miseries 
of the lohole world. Every thing is bad as it now stands. I 
would alter all the laws, and put an end to all the wars in the 
world. I would put an end to all punishments ; I would not leave 
a single prisoner on the face of the globe. This is what I call 
doing things on a grand scale. 

Mr. G. A scale with a f vengeance ! As to releasing the '''pris- 
oners, however, I do not much like that, as it would be liberating 
a few rogues at the expense of all honest men ; but as to the rest 
of your plan, if all countries would be so good as to turn Chris- 
tians, it might be helped on a good deal. There would be still 
misery enough left indeed*; because God intended this world 
should be earth, and not heaven*. But, sir', among all your 
changes, you must destroy human corruption', before you can make 
the world quite as perfect as you pretend\ 

Mr. F. Your project would rivet the chains which mine is 
designed to break. 

o 

Mr. G. Sir, I have no projects. Projects are, in general, the 
offspring of "^restlessness, vanity, and idleness. I am too busy* for 
projects', too contented* for theories', and, I hope, have too much 
honesty and humility' for a "^philosopher*. The utmost extent of 
my ambition at present is, to redress the wrongs of a poor " h appren- 
tice, who has been cruelly used by his master : indeed, I have 
another little scheme, which is to prosecute a fellow, who has 
suffered a poor wretch in the poorhouse, of which he had the care, 
to perish through neglect, and you must assist me. 

Mr. F. Let the town do that. You must not apply to me for 
the redress of such petty grievances. I own that the wrongs of 
the Poles and South Americans so fill my mind, as to leave me no 
time to attend to the petty sorrows of poorhouses and apprentices. 
It is "^provinces*, empires*, continents*, that the benevolence of the 
philosopher embraces ; every one can do a little paltry good to his 
next neighbor. 

Mr. G. Every one can', but I do not see that every one does'. 
If they would, indeed, your + business would be ready clone to your 
hands, and your grand ocean of benevolence would be filled with 
the drops which private charity would throw into it. I am glad, 
however, you are such a friend to the prisoners*, because I am just 
now getting a little subscription', to set free your poor old friend, 
Tom Saunders*, a very honest brother mechanic, who first got into 
debt, and then into jail, through no fault of his own, but merely 



46 

through the pressure of the times*. A number of us have given 
a trifle every -week toward maintaining his young family since he 
has been in prison; but we think we shall do much more service 
to Saunders, and indeed, in the end, lighten our own expense, by 
paying down, at once, a little sum, to release him, and put him in 
the way of maintaining his family again. We have made up all 
the money except five dollars. I am already promised four, and 
you have nothing to do but to give me the fifth. And so, for a 
single dollar, without any of the trouble we have had in arranging 
the matter, you will, at once, have the pleasure of helping to save 
a worthy family from starving, of redeeming an old friend from 
jail, and of putting a little of your boasted benevolence into action, 
"•"llealize ! Mr. Fantom : there is nothing like realizing. 

Mr. F. Why, hark', Mr. Goodman', do not think I value a 
dollar; no sir, I despise' money; it is trash', it is dirt v , and beneath 
the regard of a wise man'. It is one of the unfeeling inventions 
of ^artificial society. Sir', I could talk to you half a day on the 
abuse of riches', and my own contempt of moncy\ 

Mr. G. pray do not give yourself that trouble*. It will be a 
much easier way of proving your ^sincerity', just to put your hand 
in your pocket', and give' me a dollar without saying a word about' 
it : and then to you', who value time' so much\ and money* so 
little', it will cut the matter short. But come now, (for I see you 
will give nothing), I should be mighty glad to know what is the 
sort of good you do yourselves, since you always object to what is 
done by others. 

Mr, F. Sir, the object of a true philosopher is, to "'"diffuse ligh* 
and knowledge. I wish to see the whole world "•"enlightened. 

Mr. G. Well, Mr. Fantom, you are a wonderful man, to keey 
up such a stock of benevolence', at so small an expense'; to love 
mankind so dearly, and yet avoid all opportunities of doing them 
good; to have such a noble zeal for the millions', and to feel so 
little compassion for the units?; to long to free empires' and 
enlighten kingdoms' , and deny instruction to your own village* and 
comfort to your own family*. Surely, none but a philosopher' 
could indulge so much philanthropy* and so much ^frugality' at 
the same time*. But come', do assist me in a partition I am 
making in our poorhouse, between the old', whom I want to have 
better fed', and the young', whom I want to have more worked*. 

Mr. F. Sir, my mind is so engrossed with the partition of 
Poland, that I can not bring it down to an object of such + insig- 
nificance. I despise the man, whose benevolence is swallowed 
up in the narrow concerns of his own family, or village, or 
country. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 47 

Mr. G. Well, now I have a notion, that it is as well to do one's 
own' duty, as the duty of another^ man ; and that to do good at 
home', is as well as to do good abroad'. For my part, I had as 
lief help Tom Saunders' to freedom, as a Pole or a South Ameri- 
can, though I should be very glad to help them too. But one 
must begin to love somewhere, and to do good somewhere ; and I 
think it is as natural to love one's own family, and to do good in 
one's own neighborhood, as to any body else. And if every man 
in every family, village, and county, did the same, why then all 
the ^schemes would meet, and the end of one village or town 
where I was doing good, would be the beginning of another 
village where somebody else was doing good ; so my schemes would 
jut into my neighbor's; his projects would unite with those of 
some other "^local "^reformer; and all would fit with a sort of 
^dovetail "^exactness. 

Mr. F. Sir, a man of large views will be on the watch for great 
^occasions to prove his + benevolence. 

Mr. G. Yes, sir; but if they are so distant that he can not 
reach them, or so vast that he can not "'grasp them, he may let a 
thousand little, snug, kind, good + actions slip through his fingers 
in the meanwhile : and so, between the great things that he can 
not"' do, and the little ones that he will' not do, life passes, and 
nothing* will be done. Anoxymous. 



Question s. — If we wish to be useful, where must we begin ? If every 
one acted upon this principle, what would be the consequence? Are those, 
who make great professions of enlarged philanthropy, always sincere? 
How did Mr. Fantom prove his insincerity? How do such persons gene- 
rally pass through life? 

What is the rule for the different inflections upon the contrasted words 
"millions" and "units;" "kingdom," and "village," and " family ; " 
"philanthropy" and "frugality?" What kind of emphasis is that called, 
which is here applied? What is the rule for the rising inflection upon the 
negative sentence ending with "dollar?" (Rule VI, 2§, Note.) Point 
out those words in this lesson, to which Rule VI. for inflections, applies. 
What examples of relative emphasis are there on the first page of this 
lesson? 

N. B. A number of words used antithetically in this lesson, and marked 
with the rising and falling inflections, may, with equal propriety, be read 
with the circumflex, such as, "units and millions," " own and another," 
"home and abroad," &c. 

For what does "they" in the last paragraph stand? Which are the 
adjectives in that paragraph? Compare each of them. Which are the 
nouns in the same paragraph? Will you spell the possessive plural of 



48 



MOQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



each of them ? How is the possessive case, plural number of nouns 
generally formed? 

The Teacher is reminded, that, in defining words, that meaning is given 
Qvhich is appropriate in the connection in which they are used. He is advised, 
^lso, to adopt the same rule in donning the words marked + in each lesson. 

The grammatical questions are adapted to Pinneo's Analytical Grammar. 



ARTICULATION. 

Range, first, sent, pens, flinch, from, &c. 

The range of the valleys is his. He was the Jirst embassador sent. 
Swords and pens are both employed. I do not flinch from argument. 
He never winced, for it hurt him not. Do not singe your gown. Pluck' 'd 
from its native tree. Nipt in the bud. Thou found' st me poor, and 
keep'st me so. 



LESSON VI. 

Pronounce correctly and articulate distinctly. — Nat>-u-ral-ly, 
not nat-er-rul-ly, nor nat'r'l-ly : cult-ure, (pro. cult-yur), not cxd^ter, nor 
cul-tshur : es-pe-cial-ly, not 'spe-cial-ly : de-rang'd, not de-rang 'd : def- 
er-ence, not def-runce : gov-erns, not gov-uns: win-dow-blind, not win- 
der-bline : u-su-al, not u-shul. 



Con-trol', v. subdue, resfrain, govern. 
1. Cult'-ure, n. cultivation, improve- 
ment by effort. 
3. Def '-er-ence, n. regard, respect. 



6. Su-per-an'-nu-a-tcd, a. impaired by 

old age and infirmity. 

7. Rep'-ri-mand, v. to reprove for a fault. 

8. A-chiev'-ed,p.(pro. a-cAeevc?')gained. 



CONTROL YOUR TEMPER. 



1. No one has a temper naturally so good', that it does not need 
attention and cultivation'; and no one has a temper so bad', but 
that, by proper culture, it may become pleasant'. One of the best- 
disciplined tempers ever seen, was that of a gentleman who was, 
naturally, quick, irritable, rash, and violent'; but, by having the 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 49 

care of the sick, and especially of + deranged people, he so com- 
pletely mastered' himself, that he was never known to be thrown 
off his guard'. 

2. The difference in the happiness which is received or bestowed 
by the man who governs his temper, and that by the man who 
does not, is immense. There is no misery so constant, so dis- 
tressing, and so "^intolerable to others', as that of having a dispo- 
sition which is your master*, and which is continually fretting' 
itself. There are corners enough, at every turn in life, against 
which we may run, and at which we may break out in + im- 
patience, if we choose. 

8. Look at Roger Sherman*, who rose, from a humble occupa- 
tion', to a seat in the first Congress of the United States', and 
whose judgment was received with great deference' by that body 
of distinguished men'. He made himself master of his temper', 
and + cultivated it as a great business in life'. There are one or 
two instances which show this part of his character in a light that 
is beautiful. 

4. One day, after having received his highest honors, he was 
sitting and reading in his parlor. A roguish student, in a room 
close by, held a looking-glass in such a position, as to pour the 
reflected rays of the sun directly in Mr. Sherman's face. He 
moved his chair, and the thing was repeated. A third s time the 
chair was moved, but the looking-glass still + reflected the sun in 
his eyes. He laid aside his book', went to the window', and many 
witnesses of the "•* impudence expected to hear the ungentlemanly 
student severely reprimanded. He raised the window gently, and 
then' — shut the window-blind ! 

5. I can not forbear + adducing another instance of the power 
he had + acquired over himself. He was naturally possessed of 
strong passions ; but over these he at length obtained an extraordi- 
nary control. He became habitually calm', ''"sedate', and self- 
possessed'. Mr. Sherman was one of those men who are not 
ashamed to maintain the forms of religion in their families. One 
morning he called them all together, as usual, to lead them in prayer 
to God'; the " old family Bible " was brought out, and laid on 
the table. 

6. Mr. Sherman took his seat, and placed beside him one of his 
children, a child of his old age'; the rest of the family were seated 
around the room'; several of these were now grown up'. Besides 
these', some of the tutors of the college were boarders in the 
family, and were present at the time alluded to. His aged and 
superannuated mother occupied a corner of the room', opposite the 
place where the + distinguished Judge' sat. 

5 



50 M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

7. At length, lie opened the Bible, and began to read. The 
child who was seated beside him, made some little + disturbance, 
upon which Mr. Sherman paused, and told it to be still. Again 
he proceeded'; but again he paused, to reprimand the little 
fender 7 , whose playful disposition would scarcely permit to be still*. 
At this time, he gently tapped its ear. The blow, if blow it 
might be called, caught the attention of his aged mother, who 
now, with some effort, rose from the seat, and tottered across the 
'room. At length, she reached the chair of Mr. Sherman, and, in 
a moment, most unexpectedly to him, she gave him a blow on the 
ear with all the force she could + summon. " Tiierey said she*, 
" you strike your' child, and I will strike mine\" 

8. For a moment, the blood was seen mounting to the face of 
Mr. Sherman ; but it was only for a moment, when all was calm 
and mild as usual. He paused*; he raised his spectacles'; he cast 
his eye upon his mother'; again it fell upon the book' from which 
he had been reading'. Not a word escaped him; but again he 
calmly pursued the service, and soon after, sought, in prayer, an 
+ ability to set an + example before his household, which shoul 
worthy of their limitation. Such a victory was worth more than 
the proudest one ever achieved on the field of battle. Todd. 



Questions . — Has any one a temper perfectly good ? Has any one a 
temper so bad that it can not be governed and made pleasant ? How is 
this done ? To whom does a bad temper give most pain ? Is it a duty to 
control it ? Repeat the two anecdotes related of Judge Sherman. 

Give the rules for the inflections marked in this lesson. (Rules I, II, 
IV, VI.) 



ARTICULATION. 

Arc, problem, surf, arm, return, lovely, &c. 

We constructed an arc, and began the problem. The surf beat 
heavily. Arm! warriors, arm! Return to thy dweiling, all lonely 
return. Weave the warp, and weave the woof. Send me Smith's Thuejj- 
dides. Thou tear'st my heart asunder. I give my hand and heart too 
to this vote. 

The Teacheb is reminded that the pupil should not neglect, before reading 
the sentences, to utter each difficult word by its elements, uttering two or more 
consonants which come together as a single sound. A few of the difficult words 
are placed at the head of each exorcises. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 51 



LESSON VII. 

Articulate each letter. — Child, not chile : ea-reer-ing, not 
c'reer-ing : re-ly-ing, not re-ly-in: de-fy-ing, not de-fy-in: sweet-est, not 
siced-es : waft, not waf. 



1. Sphere, n. the expanse in which the 
heavenly bodies appear. [cries, 

2. Moan, n. grief expressed in words or 
Crys'-tal, a. clear, transparent. 



3. Ca-reer'-ing, p. moving rapidly. 
Swerves, v, deviates from, varies from. 

4. Nest'-ling, n. a young bird in the nest. 
Un-plumes', v. strips of its feathers. 



THE CHILD'S INQUIRY. 

.. What is* that, mother'? 

The lark*, my child'. 
The morn has just looked out, and smiled, 
When he starts from his humble + grassy nest, 
And is up and away with the dew on his breast, 
And a hymn in his heart, to yon pure bright sphere 

' To + warble it out in his Maker's ear. 
Ever, my child', be thy morn's first lays', 
Tuned, like the lark's, to thy Maker's praise*. 

. What is tliaC, mother'? 

The dove*, my son. 

And that low, sweet voice, like a widow's moan, 

Is flowing out from her gentle breast, 
* Constant and pure by that lonely nest, 

As the wave is poured from some crystal + urn*, 

For her distant dear one's quick return*. 

Ever, my son', be thou like the dove*; 

In + friendship* as faithful', as constant' in love*. 

. What is that\ mother'? 

The eagle*, my boy, 
Proudly careering in his course of joy*; 
Firm, in his own mountain + vigor + relying*; 
Breasting the dark storm'; the red bolt* f defying; 
His wing on the wind*, and his eye on the sun', 
He swerves not a hair*, but bears onward*, right on. 
Boy, may the eagle's flight ever be thine; 
Onward, and upward, and true to the line. 



52 MOQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

4. What is that\ mother'? 

The swan, my love. 
He is + floating down from his native grove; 
No loved one now, no nestling nigh ; 
He is floating down by himself, to die. 
Death darkens his eye, and unplumes his wings, 
Yet his sweetest song is the last he sings. 
Live so v , my love', that when death shall come', 
+ Swan-like and sweet it may + waft thee home x . 

Doane. 



Question s. — May we not often derive useful instruction from obser- 
vation of nature? What lesson is drawn from the lark? What, from the 
dove? The eagle? The swan? What beautiful figure in verse 2d? 

In the 2d stanza, why has "that" the falling inflection? (Rule III.) 
Why has "mother" in the same sentence the rising inflection? (Rule IV.) 
Why has the answer "dove" the falling inflection? Give the rules for the 
inflections marked in the 3d stanza. (Rules II, 3§, III.) 

Which are the verbs in the last paragraph? Give the present tense, first 
person plural, indicative mode, of each. Parse " swan " in the same 
paragraph. 



AETICULATION. 



Tub Teacher should require the pupil to utter each difficult word in the exer- 
cise by its elements, giving the sound and not the name of each letter or combina- 
tion; as, c-a-lx, calx; f-i-lch, filch: &c. Then read carefully the sentences 
containing these words. 

Calx, filch, fall'st, doubt, health, entomb'd, attempt, &c. 

It was a species of calx, which he showed me. 

The word filch is of doubtful derivation. 

If thou falVst, thou fall'st a blessed martyr. 

Health is indispensable to the soldier. 

Those who lie entomb'd in the cemetery. 

The attempt and not the deed, confounds us. 

But truth, and liberty, and virtue, would fall with him. 

The song began from Jove. 

Do you mean plain or playing? 

I quench thee, thou flaming favobrand. 

A frame of adamant, and strength of Hercules. 

The hills, and halls, and hulls. 

The ranges, and changes, and hinges, and fringes. 

Spasms, and prisms, and chasms, and phasms. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES 



53 



LESSON VIII. 



Pronounce correctly. — Pret-ty, pro. prit-ty : ad-vent-ure, not ad- 
ven-ter : ac-ci-dent, not ac-ci-dunt: oft-en, pro. of'n; neither, or ny- 
tlier : yet, not yit : mod-er-ate-ly, not mod-er-it-ly : ag-o-ny, not ag-er-ny: 
des-o-late, not des-er-lit: for-ti-tude (pro. for-ti-tyude) , not for-ti-tood, nor 
for-ti-Uhude. 



Gi-gan'-tic, a. very great or mighty. 
Con-stel-la'-tion, n. a cluster of stars. 
Har-poon', n. a spear used for killing 
whales. 

Le-vi-a-than, ». a huge sea animal. 
Top-gal'-lant, o. highest. Top-gal- 
lant sails are the highest sails com- 
monly used in a vessel. 
Cours'-es, n. the principal sails of a 
ship. 

Clew'-ed, p. tied, made close. 
Wind'-ward, n. the point from which 
the wind blows. 
Ye-loc'-i-ty, n. rapidity, 



12, 



Knots, n. a division of the log-line. 
Sailing at the rate of one or two 
knots to the half minute, is the same 
as one or two miles an hour. 
Ca-tas'-tro-phe, n. an unfortunate 
conclusion, a calamity. 
Bows, n. (pro. bouze) the rounding 
part of a ship's side forward. 
Chains, n. links orplates of iron at the 
side of a vessel, abreast of the mast, 
by which the shrouds are extended. 
Col-lis'-ion, n. the act of striking 
together, [from. 

Re-coil', v. to start back, to shrink 



THE WHALE-SHIP. 

1. They who go down to the sea in ships, pursue a perilous 
vocation, and well deserve the prayers which are offered for them 
in the churches. It is a hard life, full of danger, and of strange 
attraction. The seaman rarely abandons the glorious sea. It 
requires, however, a pretty firm spirit, both to brave the ordinary 
dangers of the deep, and to carry on war with its mightiest 
tenants. And yet it is a service readily entered upon, and "''zeal- 
ously followed, though + indisputably the most laborious and most 
terrific of all human pursuits. Well might Burke speak glowingly 
of that hardy spirit of adventure", which had pursued this gigantic 
game', from the constellations of the north to the frozen serpent 
of the south\ 

2. The most common accident to which whalemen are exposed, 
is that of being " stove," as they express it, by the huge animal, 
before they can back out from their dangerous + proximity. A slight 
tap of his tail is quite suflicient to shiver a common whaleboat to 
atoms. If this danger be escaped, the whale, with the harpoon in 
his hide, sinks beneath the sounding of the deep-sea lead. Not 
long will he stay at the bottom. He rises for air. and this is a 



54 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

signal for the renewal of the battle. The boat is drawn up, and the 
lance is buried in his giant body. Not safe is the game till it 
is fairly (tagged. Often, in the moment of victory, the van- 
quished leviathan settles quietly down in the deep sea ; and no 
tackle can draw him up. The curses of the exhausted seamen are 
u not loud, but deep." 

3. On the twenty-eighth of May, 1317, the Royal Bounty, an 
English ship, fell in with a great number of whales. There v as 
neither ice nor land in sight. The boats were manned and sent in 
pursuit. After a chase of five hours, a + harpooner, who had 
rowed out of sight of the ship, struck one of the whales. This 
wa3 about four o'clock in the morning. The captain directed the 
course of the ship to the place were he had last seen the boats, 
and, at about eight o'clock, got sight of the boat, which displayed 
the + signal for being fast. Soon after, another boat approached 
the first, and struck a second harpoon. 

4. By mid-day', two more harpoons were struck'; but such was 
the astonishing + vigor of the whale, that, although it constantly 
dragged through the water from four to six boats, together with 
sixteen hundred fathoms of line, it pursued its flight nearly as fast 
as a boat could row. Whenever a boat passed beyond its tail, it 
would dive. All endeavors to lance it were therefore in vain. 
The crews of the loose boats then + moored themselves to the fast 
boats. At eight o'clock in the evening, a line was taken to the 
ship, with a view of + retarding its flight, and topsails were low- 
ered; but the harpoon "drew." In three hours, another line was 
taken on board, which immediately snapped. 

v 5. At four in the afternoon of the next day', thirty-six hour3 
after the whale was struck', two of the fast lines were taken on 
board the ship'. The wind blowing a moderately brisk breeze', 
the top-gallant sails were taken in', the courses hauled up', and the 
topsails clewed down': and in this situation she was towed directly 
to windward during an hour and a half, with the velocity of from 
one and a half to two knots. And then, though the whale must 
have been greatly + exhausted, it beat the water with its fins and 
tail so tremendously', that the sea around was in a continual foam ; 
and the most hardy seamen' scarcely dared to approach it. At 
length', at about eight o'clock', after forty hours of + incessant exer- 
tion, this formidable and astonishingly vigorous animal was killed'. 

6. But the most strange and dreadful calamity' that ever befell 
the wanderers of the sea, in any age', was that which happened in 
1820, to the ship Essex, of Nantucket'. Some of those who sur- 
vived the terrible catastrophe, are yet alive', and bear their united 
testimony to the truth of the statements which one of them has 
published'. It is a story which no man, for any + conceivable 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 55 

purpose', would be likely to invent*. The captain of the Essex is 
yet living upon his native island** and it is a fact pregnant with 
meaning', that so *vivid K , to this day s , is his recollection of the 
horrors which he witnessed', that he is never heard to mention the 
subject, and nothing can induce him to speak v of it. He has 
abandoned the sea forever. The story bears the marks of truth 
upon it. It may be briefly told. 

7. The Essex, a sound and substantial ship, sailed for the 
Pacific Ocean, on a whaling voyage, from Nantucket, on the 12th 
of August, 1820. On the 20th of November, a shoal of whales 
was discovered. Three boats were manned and sent in pursuit. 
The mate's boat was struck by a whale, and he was obliged to 
return to the ship to repair the damage. While thus engaged, a 
sperm whale, eighty-five feet long, broke water about twenty rods 
from the ship, on her weather bow. He was going at the rate of 
three knots an hour, and the ship at the same rate, when he struck 
the bows of the vessel just forward of the chains. 

8. The shock produced by the collision of two such masses of 
matter in motion, may well be imagined. The ship shook like a 
leaf. The whale dived, passed under the vessel, grazed her keel, 
and appeared a ship's length distant, lashing the sea with his fins 
and tail, as if suffering the most horrible agony. He wa3 evi- 
dently hurt by the collision, and rendered frantic with rage. In a 
few minutes he seemed to recover himself, and started, with great 
speed, directly across the bows of the vessel, to windward. Mean- 
time the hands on board discovered the vessel to be gradually 
settling down by the bows; and the pumps were to be + rigged. 
While engaged in fixing the pumps, one of the men exclaimed, 
"My GodM here he comes upon us again V 

9. The whale had turned, at the distance of one hundred rods 
from the ship, and was making for her with double his former 
speed. His pathway was white with foam. He struck her bow, 
and the blow shook every timber in the ship. Her bows were 
stove in. The whale dived under the vessel and disappeared. The 
vessel immediately filled ; and the crew took to the boat that had 
returned. All this was transacted in the space of a few minutes. 
The other boats rowed up, and when they came together', when a 
sense of their loneliness and + helplessness came over them', no 
man had the power of utterance. They were in the midst of the 
" + illimitable sea ," far, far from land v , in open whale-boats v , rely- 
ing only on God for + succor', in this hour of their utmost need v . 

10. They gathered what they could from the wreck j the ship 
Went down • and, on the 22d of November, they put away for the 
coast cf South America — distant, two thousand miles! How 
their hearts must have died within them, as they looked at the 



56 MCGUFPEY'S FOURTH READER, 

prospect before and around them ! After + incredible hardships 
and sufferings, on the 20th of December, they reached a low 
island. It was a mere sandbank, almost barren, which supplied 
them with' nothing but water. On this island, desolate as it was, 
three of the men chose to remain, rather than to commit them- 
selves again to the uncertain chances of the sea. 

11. On the 27th of December, the three boats, with the re- 
mainder of the men, started in company from the island, for Juan 
Fernandez, a distance of two thousand five hundred miles ! On 
the 12th of January, the boats parted company in a gale. Then 
commenced a scene of suffering, which can not be contemplated 
without horror. The men died, one after another, and the "^sur- 
vivors lived upon their flesh. In the captain's boat, on the first 
of February, three only were living ; they cast lots to see which 
of them should die. It fell upon the youngest, a nephew of the 
captain. He seated himself in the bow of the boat, with calmness 
and + fortitude — was shot and eaten ! 

12. The mate's boat was taken up by the Indian, of London, 
on the 19th of February, ninety-three days from the time of the 
catastrophe, with three living men of that boat's crew. The cap- 
tain's boat was taken up on the 23d of February, by the Dauphin, 
of Nantucket. The other boat was never heard from. The three 
men who were left on the island, were saved by a ship which was 
sent for their deliverance. No wonder that the heart of that brave 
man recoils and shudders, when this terrific scene is forced upon 
his recollection. Pitov. Lit. Jour. 



Questions . — "What is the character of the seaman's profession ? 
What is that more particularly of the whalemen's ? What are the most 
common accidents to which whalers are liable ? How do they often lose 
their game when vanquished ? Will you give an account of the capture 
of the whale first mentioned (3-5), and of the circumstance connected 
with it ? Can you give a sketch of what occurred to the ship Essex in 
1820 ? Narrate the adventures and fate of the crew, after the destruction 
of their vessel. 



AKTICULATION. 

Rack'd, rock'd, think'st, Elbe, holds, fall'n, watch'd. 

My Uncle Toby was racked with pain. Rocked icitli whirlwinds. 
Victor// will weaken the enemy. Think' st tJiou so meanly of me? On 
the Uicer Elbe. We saw the Elk. And he cried hold, hold, hold ! Tha 
wolf whose howl's his watch. FalVn, fall'n, fall'n, fall'n, fall'n from 
his high estate. There was no help for it. He watch 'd and wept, he 
felt and prayed for all. It was a wilfully false account. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



57 



LESSON IX. 

Pronounce correctly. — List-en-ed, pro. lis'-n'd: pet-u-lant, not 
•pet-ty-hint: min-utes, pro. min-its: des-o-late, not des-er-lit: in-ces-sant, 
not in-ces-sunt : con-trib-u-ted, not con-trib-it-id : win-dow, not win-der : 
brace-let, not brass-let : nar-row-ly, not nar-rer-ly : e-lab-or-ate, not 
e-lab-er-ate : glist-en-ing, pro. glis'-ning. 



3. Flus'-ter-ed, p. agitated, confused. 

Pal'-si-ed, p. deprived of the power 

of motion. 
6. Dra'-per-y, n. curtains, hangings. 

Par-a-pher-na'-li-a, n. appendages, 

ornaments. 

Broach'-es, n. clasps. [the cheek. 

8. Rouge, n. (pro. roozh) red paint for 

9. Ob-lit'-er-ate, v. to efface, to destroy. 



E-lab'-or-ate, a. finished with great 
labor. 

Leer'-ing, p. looking obliquely. 
Tin'-sel, n. something shining and 
gaudy. 
12. Dis-tort'-ed, p. twisted out of natu- 
ral shape. 
Un-sight'-ly, o. disagreeable to the 



DEATH AT THE TOILET. 

1. "What can Charlotte be doing'' all this while ? " inquired 
her mother'. She listened — " I have not heard her moving for the 
last three quarters of an hour' ! I will call the maid and ask/' 
She rung the bell, and the servant appeared. 

2. " Betty', Miss Jones is not gone' yet, is' she ? Go up to her 
room', Betty, and see if she icants x anything, and tell her it is half 
past nine o'clock*," said Mrs. Jones. The servant accordingly 
went up stairs, and knocked at the bed-room door, once, twice, 
thrice, but received no answer. There was a dead silence, except 
when the wind shook the window. Could Miss Jones have fallen 
asleep'? Oh! impossible'! 

3. She knocked again', but as + unsuccessfully as before'. She 
became a little flustered; and, after a moment's pause, opened the 
door and entered. There was Miss Jones sitting at the glass. 
" Why, ma'am'? " commenced Betty, in a petulant tone, walking 
up to her, "here have I been knocking for these five minutes, 

and" Betty staggered, horror struck, to the bed, and uttering 

a loud + shriek, alarmed Mrs. Jones, who instantly tottered up 
stairs, almost palsied with fright. Miss Jones icas dead! 

4. I was there within a few minutes, for my house was not more 
than two streets distant. It was a stormy night in March : and 
the desolate aspect of things without' j deserted streets, the dreary 
howling of the wind', and the + incessant pattering of the rain', 



58 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

contributed to cast a gloom over my mind, when connected with 
the intelligence of the awful event that had + summoned me out, 
which was deepened into horror by the spectacle I was doomed to 

witness. 

5. On reaching the house, I found Mrs. Jones in violent "'"hys- 
terics, surrounded by several of her neighbors, who had been called 
to her assistance. I repaired to the scene of death, and beheld 
what I never shall forget. 

6. The room was occupied by a white-curtained bed. There 
was but one window, and before it was a table, on which stood a 
looking-glass, hung with a little white drapery; and various par- 
aphernalia of the toilet lay + scattered about; pins*, broaches*, 
curling papers*, ribbons*, gloves', etc*. 

7. An arm chair was drawn to this table, and in it sat Miss 
Jones, stone dead. Her head rested upon her right hand, her 
elbow supported by the table ; while her left hung down by her 
side, grasping a pair of curling irons. Each of her wrists was 
* encircled by a showy gilt + bracelet. 

8. She was dressed in a white muslin frock, with a little border- 
ing of blonde. Her face was turned toward the glass, which, by 
the light of the expiring candle, "^reflected, with frightful fidelity, 
the clammy, fixed features, daubed with rouge and carmine, the 
fallen lower jaw, and the eyes, directed full into the glass, with a 
cold stare, that was appalling. 

9. On examining the countenance more narrowly, I thought J 
detected the traces of a + smirk of conceit and self-complacency, 
which not even the palsying touch of death could wholly obliterate. 
The hair of the corpse, all smooth and glossy, was curled with 
elaborate + precision; and the skinny, sallow neck, was encircled 
with a string of "*" glistening pearls. The ghastly visage of death 
thus leering through the tinsel of fashion, the "vain show" of 
artificial joy, was a horrible mockery of the fooleries of life ! 

10. Indeed, it was a most ^humiliating and shocking "^spectacle. 
Poor creature*! struck dead" in the very acC of sacrificing at the 
+ shrine of female vanity ! 

11. On examination of the body, we found that death had been 
occasioned by disease of the heart. Her life might have been 
''"protracted, possibly for years, had she but taken my advice, and 
that of her mother. 

12. I have seen many hundreds of corpses, as well in the calm 
+ composure of natural death, as + mangled and distorted by 
violence ; but never have I seen so "*" startling a satire upon human 
vanity*, so "*" repulsive*, unsightly*, and loathsome a spectacle 7 , as a 
corpse dressed for a balP! Diary of a Physician. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 59 

Question s. — Narrate, in a few words, the story you have been reading. 
Is it common for persons to die suddenly? As no one knows the time of 
his death, how should all live? What is the reason given in the Bible for 
obeying parents? Is a ballroom a suitable place to prepare for death ? 

Why has the question in the first paragraph the falling inflection, and 
those in the second paragraph the rising inflection? Why have the words 
" Betty" in the second, and " ma'am " in the third paragraph, the rising 
inflection? Give rules for the other inflections marked. 

Which are the verbs in the first paragraph ? What is the nominative to 
each ? Which are the simple sentences in the first paragraph ? Which, 
the complex? Which, compound? See Pinneo's Analytical Grammar, 
Analysis. 



AKTICULATION. 

Burn'd, learnt, bursts, groves, breast, broke, &c. 

He was burn'd on the hand. He learnt the art of war in Spain. A 
song bursts from the groves. Earth's ample breast. The busts of Fox 
and Pitt were there. The songs broke the stillness of the night. A rat 
ran over the roof of the house, with a raw lump of liver in his mouth. 



IESS0N X. 

Pronounce correctly. — Pret-ti-est (pro. prit-ti-est), not put-ti-est: 
crea-ture, (pro. creat-yur), not crea-ter, nor crit-ter : fool-ish, not ful-lish: 
fierce-iy, not ferss-ly. 



5. Sub'- tile, a. thin, delicate, [the head | 6. Wi'-ly, a. cunning, sly. 

Crest, n. a tuft or ornament worn on | 7. Coun'-sel-or, n, one who gives advice. 



THE SPIDER AND THE ELY. 

1. "Will you walk into my + parlor' I" said a spider to a fly, 

" 'T is the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy. 

The way into my parlor is up a winding stair, 

And I have many pretty things' to show when you are there*." 

" Oh no', no'," said the little ny x , "to ask me is in vain, 

For who goes up your winding stair' can ne'er come down* again.' 



60 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

2. * I 'm sure you must be weary* with + soaring up so high*; 
Will you rest upon my little bed'? " said the spider to the fly*. 

" There are pretty curtains drawn around*, the sheets are fine and 

thin*; 
And if you like to rest awhile', I '11 snugly tuck you in*." 
" Oh no*, no/ 7 said the little fly*, "for I 've often heard it said, 
They never, never, wake' again, who sleep upon your bed ! " 

3. Said the cunning spider to the fly', "Dear friend', what shall I 
To prove the warm + affection' I've always felt for you*? [do', 
I have within my pantry', good store of all that's nice*; 

I'm sure you 're very welcome*; will you please. to take a slice'?'' 
" Oh no*, no* ! " said the little fly*, " kind sir', that can not be*; 
I've heard? what's in your pantry', and I do not wish, to see*." 

4. " Sweet creature ! " said the spider*, "you're witty' and you 're 

wise*, [eyes*! 

How handsome are your + gauzy wings*, how + brilliant are your 
1 have a little looking-glass upon my parlor shelf, 
If you '11 step in one moment, dear', you shall behold yourself." 
"I thank* you, gentle sir'," she said, "for what you're pleased 

to say*, 
And bidding you good morning now', I '11 call another'' day." 

5. The spider turned him round about, and went into his den*, 
For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back* again : 

So he wove a subtile web*, in a little corner, sly, 

And set his table ready to dine upon the fly. 

Then he went out to his door again, and + merrily did sing, 

" Come hither*, hither*, pretty fly', with the pearl and silver wing: 

Your robes are green and purple*; there 's a crest upon your head*; 

Your eyes are like the + diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead." 

6. Alas, alas*! how very soon this silly little fly', 
Hearing his wily, + flattering words, came slowly flitting by*; 
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew', 
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue*; 
Thinking only of her crested head* — poor foolish thimf! At last', 
Up jumped the cunning spider, and + fiercely held her fast*. 

7. He dragged her up his winding stair, into his "'"dismal den, 
Within his little parlor*; but she ne'er came out again ! 

And now, my dear young friends', who may this story read, 
To idle, silly, flattering words', I pray you, ne'er give heed ; 
Unto an evil counselor', close heart*, and ear', and eye*. 
And take a lesson from the tale of the Spider and the Fly. 

Makt Howitt. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



61 



Question s. — In what manner does the spider take the fly? What 
moral is to be drawn from the fable ? 

Why has " fly" in the first line, the falling inflection? (Rule I.) Why 
has "fly" in the first line of the 3d stanza, the rising inflection? (Rule IV.) 

~N. B. When a phrase like that referred to in the above questions, intro- 
duces the quotation, it should have the rising inflection, according to Rule 
IV ; when it comes after the quotation, it requires the falling inflection, 
according to Rule I, and when it is included between the different parts 
of the quotation, it may have either inflection, according to the connection. 



ARTICULATION. 

Tinkl', truckl', chuckl'dst, barb'd, bulb'd, delft. 

The bell tinkles. The man truckles to power. Thou cliuckVdst over 
thy gains too soon. It was barb'd and bulb'd. The bulbs are sprout- 
ing. The pert fairies and the dapper elves. Is this delft-ware, or delf- 
ware? The costliest silks are there. Overwhelm' d with whirlwinds and 
tempestuous fire. 



LESSON XL 

Pronounce correctly. Nar-row, not nar-rer : pen-e-trate, not 
pen-it-rate : se-crets, not se-crits : na-ture, not na-ter, nor na-tshure : be- 
yond, not be-yend: cal-cu-late, not cal-ky-late : an-a-lyz'd, not an-er- 
lyz'd: nat-u-ral-ist, not nat-shu-ral-ist : spec-u-late, not spec-ky-late : 
flu-en-cy, not flune-cy : pi-an-o, not pi-an-ner: par-tic-u-lar-ly, not per- 
tic-er-lul-ly. 



Con-trast'-ed, a. set in opposition. 
So-lil'-o-quies, ^.talking to one's self. 

2. Pe-ri-od'-ic-al, a. performed regular- 
ly in a certain time. 
Rev-o-lu'-tion, n. circular motion of 
a body on its axis. 

3. An'-a-ly-zed, v. separated into the 
parts which compose it. 

4. Grav-i-ta'-tion, n. the force by which 
bodies are drawn to the center. 

6. Nat'-u-ral-ist, n. one that studies 
natural history; as, the history of 
plants, animals, &c. 



Vi-tal'-i-ty, n. principle of life. 
En-am'-eLv.to form a glossy surface. 

6. Ap-prox-i-ma'-tion, n. approach. 
Cog-i-ta'-tions, n. thoughts. 
Ev-o-lu'-tions, n. flying backward 
and forward. [country. 
Rus'-tic, n. one who lives in the 

7. Met-a-phys'-ic-al, a, relating to tho 
science of mind, [determining. 
Vo-li'-tion, n. the act of willing or 

8. Im'-po-tence, n. want of power. 
13, Ao-com'-plish-ed, a, having a fin- 
ished education. 



CONTRASTED SOLILOQUIES. 

1. "AlasM" exclaimed a silver-headed sage', "how narrow is 
the utmost extent of human science'! how + circumscribed the 



62 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

sphere of intellectual exertion ! I have spent my life in acquiring 
knowledge ; but how little do I know ! The further I attempt to 
penetrate the secrets of nature', the more I am bewildered and 
benighted'. Beyond a certain limit', all is but confusion or + con- 
jecture'; so that the advantage of the learned over the ignorant', 
consists greatly in having + ascertained how little is to be known. 

2. "It is true that I can measure the sun*, and compute the 
distances of the planets'; I can calculate their periodical move- 
ments', and even ascertain the laws by which they perform their 
sublime revolutions'; but with regard to their + construction', and 
the beings which inhabit' them, what do I know more than the 
clown'? 

3. "Delighting to examine the economy of nature in our own' 
world, I have analyzed the elements'; and have given names to 
their component parts'. And yet, should I not be as much at a 
loss to explain the burning of fire, or to account for the liquid 
quality of water, a3 the vulgar, who use and enjoy them without 
thought or examination'? 

4. " I remark that all bodies, unsupported, fall to the ground'; 
and I am taught to account for this by the law of gravitation. But 
what have I gained here more than a terrrC? Does it convey to 
my mind any idea of the nature' of that mysterious and invisible 
chain which draws all things to a common center ? I observe the 
effect", I give a name to the cause'; but can I explain or compre- 
hend' it ? 

5. " Pursuing the track of the naturalist, I have learned to 
distinguish the animal, '' r vegetable, and + mineral kingdoms; and 
to divide these into their distinct tribes and families ; but can I 
tell, after all this toil, whence a single blade of grass derives its 
vitality'? Could the most minute researches enable me to discover 
the f exquisite pencil, that paints and fringes the flower of the 
field'? Have I ever detected the secret, that gives their brilliant 
dye to the ruby and the emerald, or the art that enamels the 
delicate shell'? 

6. "I observe the + sagacity of animals'; I call it + 'instinct* ', 
and speculate upon its various degrees of approximation to the 
reason of man. But, after all, I know as little of the cogitations 
of the brute, as he does of mine. When I see a flight of birds' 
overhead, performing their evolutions', or steering their course to 
some distant settlement', their signals and cries are as * unintelli- 
gible to me, as are the learned languages to the unlettered rustic : 
I understand as little of their policy and laws, as they do of Black- 
stone's Commentaries. 

7. " But, leaving the material creation, my thoughts have often 
ascended to loftier subjects, and indulged in metaphysical speculation. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 63 



And here, while I easily perceive in myself the two distinct 
qualities of matter and mind, I am baffled in every attempt to 
comprehend their mutual dependence and + mysterious connection. 
When my hand moves in obedience to my will, have I the most 
distant conception of the manner in which the volition is either 
+ communicated or understood ? Thus, in the exercise of one of 
the most simple and ordinary actions, I am perplexed and con- 
founded, if I attempt to account for it. 

8. " Again, how many years of my life were devoted to the 
+ acquisition of those languages, by the means of which I might 
explore the + records of remote ages, and become familiar with the 
learning and literature of other times ! And what have I gathered 
from these, but the ''"mortifying fact, that man has ever been 
struggling with his own impotence, and vainly endeavoring to 
overleap the bounds which limit his anxious inquiries ! 

9. " Alas ! then, what have I gained by my laborious researches, 
but a humbling conviction of my weakness and ignorance ! How 
little has man, at his best estate, of which to boast ! What folly 
in him to glory in his contracted power, or to value himself upon 
his imperfect acquisitions ! " 



10. "Weir," exclaimed a young lady, just returned from 
school, " my education is at last finished'! Indeed, it would be 
strange, if, after five years' hard + application', any thing were 
left incomplete'. Happily, that is ail over now; and 1 have 
nothing to do, but to f 1 " exercise my various accomplishments'. 

11. "Let me see'! As to French', I am complete mistress of 
that, and speak it, if possible, with more + fluency than English'. 
Italian' I can read with ease, and pronounce very well'; as well, 
at least, as any of my friends ; and that is all one need wish foi 
in Italian. Music' I have learned till I am perfectly sick* of it. 
But, now that we have a grand piano, it will be delightful to play 
when we have company ; I must still continue to practice a little ; 
the only thing, I think, that I need now to improve myself in. 
And then there are my Italian songs'! which every body allows I 
sing with taste ; and as it is what so few people can pretend to, I 
am particularly glad that I can. 

12. " My drawings are universally admired ; especially the 
shells and flowers, which are beautiful, certainly : besides this, I 
have a decided taste in all kinds of fancy ornaments. And then 
my dancing' and + waltzing', — in which our master himself owned 
that he could take me no further, — just the figure' for it, cer- 
tainly'; it would be unpardonable if I did not + excel. 

13. " As to common things, geography and history, and poetry 
and philp&opJiy j thank my stars, I have got through them all ! so 



64 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER 



that I may consider myself not only perfectly + accomplished, but 
also thoroughly well informed. Well*, to be sure', how much I 
have + fagged through ! The only wonder' is, that one head can 



*contain s it oil 



Jane Tayloe. 



Questions. — What is the substance of the old man's soliloquy? 
What is the substance of the young lady's? Which reasons most cor- 
rectly ? What feeling is manifested by the old man in view of his 
attainments ? What, by the young lady ? Will those who ?re really 
learned and wise, generally be vain ? 

What inflection is that marked at the words " common," " geography," 
&c. in the 13th paragraph ? What does it indicate here ? (See page 23.) 
With what are these words contrasted ? 

In the 12th paragraph which are the nouns ? What is the singular 
number of each ? What is the possessive case plural number of each ? 
How are the words " dancing " and " waltzing " parsed ? See Analytical 
Grammar, Rule 5. 






ARTICULATION. 

Arks, bark'd, howl'd, culprit, huiTd, words. 

Many arks were seen. They bark'd and IwwVd. The culprit was 
TiurVd from the rock. Words, words, words, my lord. Are the goods 
wlypf'd ? It was strongly ury'd upon him. Remark' d'st thou that ? 

e snarls, but dares not bite. Arm'd, say ye? . Yes, arm'd, my lord. 



LESSON XII. 

Pronounce correctly. — None, pro. none, or nun : soft-en, pro. 
sof'n; (see McGuffey's newly revised Eclectic Spelling Book, page 
49): per-son-age, not per-son-ij : sub-du'd, not sub-ju'd: to'-ward, not 
to-ward / : for-get, not for-git : yet, not yit. 



1. Tin'-y, a. very small, little, puny. 

3. Sa-lute', n. greeting. 
Mun'-dane, a. belonging to the world. 

4. Re-tort', n. the return of an incivility. 



5. Peer'-ing, a. just coming up. 

6. Cum'-ber-er, n. one who hinders or 
is troublesome. 

Vaunt'-ing, a. vainly boasting. 



THE PEBBLE AND THE ACORN. 

1. "I AM a Pebble* ! and yield to none'!" 
Were the swelling words of a tiny stone'; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 65 

" Nor time nor seasons can alter me ; 
I am abiding, while ages flee. 
The + pelting hail and the + driveling rain 
Have tried to soften me, long, in vain'; 
And the tender dew has songht to melt' 
Or touch my heart'; but it was not felt\ 

2. " There 's none that can tell about my birth', 
For I'm as old as the big, round earth. 
The children of men arise, and pass 

Out of the world', like blades of grass', 
And many a foot on me has trod', 
That's gone from sight, and under the + sod'! 
I am a Pebble'! but who art thou\ 
Rattling along from the restless bough'? " 

3. The Acorn was shocked at this rude salute, 
And lay for a moment', abashed and mute ; 
She never before had been so near' 

This gravelly ball, the mundane + sphere ; 
And she felt, for a time, at a loss to know 
How to answer a thing so coarse and low. 

4. But to give reproof of a nobler sort' 
Than the angry look', or keen retort', 
At length, she said', in a gentle tone : 

" Since it has happened that I am thrown 

From the lighter element, where I grew', 

Down to another, so hard and new', 

And beside a + personage so + august', 

Abased', I will cover my head in dust', 

And quickly retire from the sight of one' 

Whom time', nor season', nor storm', nor sun*, 

Nor the gentle dew', nor the grinding heel', 

Has ever "'"subdued, or made to feel'! ;; 

And soon, in the earth, she sunk away 

From the comfortless spot where the Pebble lay. 

5. But it was not long ere the soil was broke' 
By the peering head of an infant oak'! 
And, as it arose', and its branches spread', 
The Pebble looked up, and wondering said : 
" A modest Acorn"! never to tell' 

What was enclosed in its simple shell'! 
That the pride of the forest was folded up' 
In the narrow space of its little cup'! 
And meekly to sink in the + darksome earth, 
Which proves that nothing could hide its worth ! 
6 



66 



M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



" And oh ! how many will tread on me', 

To come and admire the beautiful tree', 

Whose head is + towering toward the sky', 

Above such a worthless thing as 1*1 

Useless and vain, a cumberer here, 

I have been idling from year to year. 

But never, from this, shall a vaunting word 

From the humble Pebble again be heard, 

Till something, without me or within, 

Shall show the purpose for which I have been.'' 

The Pebble its vow could not forget, 

And it lies there wrapped in silence yet. 

Miss H. F. Gould. 



Question s. — What was the Pebble's boast? How did the Acorn feel? 
What did the Acorn say? What did it do? What did it become? What 
did the Pebble then say? What is the moral of this fable? 

Why is the rising inflection used at " said " in the 4th paragraph ? 
(Rule IV.) What words in the same paragraph form a commencing series? 
("time — heel.") Give the reasons for the other inflections marked. 



LESSON XIII. 

Utter each sound distinctly. Char-ac-ter, not ch'rac-ter: differ- 
ent, not dif'-rent : op-po-site, not op'-site : em-i-nence, not em'-nunce : 
in-vig-or-a-ted, not in-vig'-ra-ted : vig-or-ous, not vigWous. 



1. Arch'-i-tects, n. (pro. ark'-e-tects), 
builders, formers, makers. 
Des'-ti-nies, n. ultimate fate, ap- 
pointed condition. 

2. Me-di-oc'-ri-ty, n. a middle state, or 
degree of talents. 

Me'-di-o-cre, n. (pro. me'-di-o-her), a 
man of moderate talents. 



4, Fi'-at, n. decree, 

5, Con'-dor, n. a large bird, 
Em-pyr'-e-al, a, relating to the high- 
est and purest region of the heavens. 

6, Ca-reer'-ing, a. moving rapidly. 
Prow'-ess, ». bravery, boldness. 
A-chieve'-ments, n. something ac- 
complished by exertion. 



NO EXCELLENCE WITHOUT LABOR. 

1. The + education, moral and + intellectual, of every individual, 
must be, chiefly, his own work. Rely upon it, that the ancients 
were right ; both in morals and intellect, we give their final shape 
to our characters, and thus become, + emphatically, the architects 
of our own fortune. How else could it happen, that young men, 
who have had + precisely the same opportunities, should be con- 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 67 

tinually presenting us with such different results, and rushing to 
such opposite destinies ? 

2. Difference of talent will not solve it, because that difference 
is very often in favor of the disappointed candidate. You will see 
issuing from the walls of the same college, nay, sometimes from 
the bosom of the same family, two young men, of whom one will 
be admitted to be a genius of high order, the other scarcely above 
the point of mediocrity \ yet you will see the genius sinking and 
perishing in poverty, ^obscurity, and wretchedness ; while, on the 
other hand, you will observe the mediocre plodding his slow but 
sure way up the hill of life, gaining steadfast footing at every 
step, and mounting, at length, to + eminence and + distinction, an 
ornament to his family, a blessing to his country. 

3. Now, whose work is this? ''"Manifestly their own. They 
are the architects of their respective fortunes. The best seminary 
of learning that can open its portals to you, can do no more than 
to afford you the + opportunity of instruction : but it must depend, 
at last, on yourselves, whether you will be instructed or not, or to 
what point you will push your instruction. 

4. And of this be assured, I speak from + observation a certain 
truth : there is no excellence without great labor. It 
is the fiat of fate, from which no power of genius can absolve you. 

5. G-enius, unexerted, is like the poor moth that flutters around 
a candle, till it scorches itself to death. If genius be desirable at 
all', it is only of that great and + magnanimous kind', which', like 
the condor of South America', pitches from the summit of "'"Chiin- 
borazo, above the clouds, and sustains itself, at pleasure, in that 
empyreal region', with an energy rather + invigorated than weak- 
ened by the effort'. 

6. It is this capacity for high and long-continued exertion*, this 
"•"vigorous power of profound and searching + investigation*, this 
careering and wicle-spreading + comprehension of mind*, and these 
long reaches of thought, that 

" PI tick bright honor from the pale-faced moon, 
Or dive into the bottom of the deep, 
And drag up drowned honor by the locks";" 

this is the prowess*, and these the hardy achievements', which are 
to enroll your names among the great men of the earth. 

"Wirt. 

Questions. — Whose work is the education of every man? What 
did the ancients say upon this point ? By what reasoning does the writer 
prove this to be the case ? What, then, is required to secure excellence ? 



OS 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



What is said of genius united with indolence ? What kind of genius is 
considered as desirable ? What is the condor ? Where is Chimborazo ? 

What is the rule for the inflections marked in the last paragraph ? 
(Rule II, 3§, commencing series, " exertion v — locks'.") Give rules for the 
other inflections. 



ARTICULATION. 

Prolong the sounds of the vowels that are italicized. 

D-«y, a-ge, l-aia, awe-d, f-a-ther, a-rm, th-ee, ee-\, oo-ze, th-y, ?'-sle, th-oa. 
We have e-rr'd and stv-ay'-d from thy w-ay-s like 1-o-st sh-ee-p. 
Sp-a-re thou those, G-o-d, who confess their f-aw-lts. 



LESSON XIV. 

Pronounce correctly. El-o-quence, not el-er-quunce ; in-val-u-a- 
ble, not in-val-eio-a-ble : at-ti-tudes, not at-ti-toods, nor al-ti-Lshudes : 
or-a-tors, not or-itoiz : in-tel-lect-u-al, not in-tel-lect-ew-al : con-tin-u-al, 
not con-tin-ew-oL 

Articulate each letter in the following words found in this 
lesson : Must, not muss : least, not leace : faults, not faulce : sep-a- 
ra-ted, not sep'-ra-ted : child, not chile : pre-sents / , not presence': nest, 
not ncx : fi-nest, not ji-nes: per-fect, not per-fec. 



1. Req'-ui-site, n. (pro. reh'-we-zit), that 
which is necessary. 

2. *Su-per-in-du>ced, p. brought in as 
an addition. 

Ac-qui-si'-tions, n. qualities obtained. 



Per-vert'-ed, p. turned from right to 

wrong. 

In-vin'-ci-blo, a. not to be overcome. 

Dis-crim-i-na'-tion, n. the power of 

observing a difference, 



ON ELOCUTION AND READING. 

1. The business of training onr youth in + elocution, must be 
commenced in childhood. The first school is the nursery. There, 
at least, may be formed a distinct + articulation, which is the first 

*It must be borne in mind by the pupil, that in a large class of words of this 
description, the last two syllables are pronounced as one syllable. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 69 

requisite for good speaking. How rarely is it found in perfection 
among our orators ! Words, says one, referring to articulation, 
should "be delivered out from the lips, as beautiful coins, newly 
issued from the mint; deeply and + accurately impressed-, perfectly 
finished'; neatly struck by the proper organs*, distinct', in due 
+ succession', and of due weight'/' How rarely do we hear a 
speaker, whose tongue', teeth', and lips', do their office so per- 
fectly as, in any wise, to answer to this beautiful description ! 
And the common faults in articulation, it should be remembered, 
take their rise from the very nursery. But let us refer to other 
particulars. 

2. Grace in + eloquence — in the pulpit, at the bar — can not be 
separated from grace in the ordinary manners, in private life, in 
the social circle, in the family. It can not well be superinduced 
upon all the other acquisitions of youth, any more than that name- 
less, but invaluable quality, called good breeding. You may, 
therefore, begin the work of forming the orator with your child ; 
not merely })j teaching him to declaim, but what is of more "^con- 
sequence, by observing and correcting his daily manners, motions, 
and + attitudes. 

3. You can say, when he comes into your + apartment, or pre- 
sents you with something, a book or letter, in an awkward and 
blundering manner', "Return'*, and enter this room : again'," or', 
'•'Present me that book in a different manner'," or', "Put your- 
self into a different attitude'." You can explain to him the dif- 
ference between thrusting or pushing out his hand and arm, in 
straight lines and at acute angles', and moving them in flowing, 
"•'circular lines, and easy, graceful action. He will readily under- 
stand you. Nothing is more true than that " the motions of 
children are + originally graceful;" and it is by suffering them to 
be perverted', that we lay the foundation for invincible "^awkward- 
ness in later life. 

4. We go, next, to the schools for children. It ought to be a 
leading object, in these schools, to teach the art of reading. It 
ought to occupy three fold more time than it does. The teachers 
of these schools should labor to improve themselves. They should 
feel, that to them, for a time, are committed the future * orators 
of the land. 

5. We would rather have a child, even of the other sex, return 
to us from school a first-rate reader, than a first-rate performer on 
the pianoforte. We should feel that we had a far better pledge 
for the + intelligence and talent' of our child. The accomplish- 
ment, in its perfection, would give more pleasure. The voice of 
song is not sweeter than the voice of eloquence; and there may be 
eloquent readers', as well as eloquent speakers'. We speak of 



70 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH 



perfection in this art ; and it is something, we must say in defence 
of our preference, which we have never yet seen. Let the same 
pains be devoted to reading, as are required to form an accom- 
plished performer on an instrument ) let us have, as the ancients 
had, the formers of the voice, the music masters of the reading 
voice; let us see years devoted to this accomplishment, and then 
we should be prepared to stand the ^comparison. 

6. It is, indeed, a most + intellectual accomplishment. So is 
music, too, in its perfection. We do by no means + undervalue 
this noble and most delightful art, to which Socrates applied him- 
self, even in his old age. But one + recommendation of the art 
of reading is, that it requires a constant exercise of mind. It 
involves, in its perfection, the whole art of + criticism on language. 
A man may possess a fine genius, without being a perfect reader ; 
but he can not be a perfect reader without genius. 

N. A. Review. 



Questions. — When must the business of training in elocution be 
commenced ? What excellent comparison is employed to illustrate a good 
articulation ? What is the relative importance of good reading ? How 
does the power of reading with perfection compare with the power of 
excellent musical performance ? 

Explain the inflections marked in the 1st paragraph. (Rule VI, 3§.) 
Explain those marked in the 3d paragraph. (Rule II, 1§, and IV.) 

In the first sentence, which word is the subject ? Which words are ip 
the objective case ? Which are the prepositions ? In the last sentence.- 
which words are in the objective case ? Which are the verbs, and in 
what mode are they ? Which are the modes ? See Pinneo's Analytical 
Grammar. 



ARTICULATION. 

Prolong the sounds of the vowels that are italicized. 

W-a-r, o-r-b, fl-ow-s, p-it-re, d-oic-n, ai-d, h-ow, s-a-ve. 

Th-e-se are thy gl-o-ri-ous works, p-a-rent of g-oo-d. F-at-rest of 
sfc-a-rs I L-a-st in the tr-ai-n of n-t-ght. H-o-ly, h-o-ly, h-o-ly, a-rt th-ow, 
L-o-rd ! H-oi-1 h-o-ly 1-t-ght. We pr-en'-se th-ee, L-o-rd G-o-d. 

(13 s The reader will need to guard against a drawling style of reading 
after these exercises. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



71 



LESSON XV. 

Pronounce correctly. — Ed-u-cate, not ed-dy-cate, nor ej-ju-cate: 
spoils, not spiles: vic-to-ry, not vic-ter-y: pop-u-la-tion, not pop-py-la-tion : 
man-u-fac-tures, not man-y-fac-ters : ag-ri-cult-ure, not ag-ri-ad-ter, nor 
ag-ri-cid-tshure : prov-i-dence, not prov-i-dimce : a-ban-don, not ub-an- 
don: prov-o-ca-tion, not prov-er-ca-tion : spasms, not spas^iims. 



In-ex'-o-ra-ble, a. that can not be 
made to bend, unyielding. 
Des'-pot-ism, n. absolute, uncontrol- 
led power. 

Per-pe-tu'-i-ty, n. continued, unin- 
terrupted existence. 
A-loof , adv. at a distance, 
Vor'-tex, n. a whirling motion of 
water forming a hollow in the center, 
a whirlpool. 

Suf'-frage, n. vote given in choosing 
men for office. 
Fore-bo'-ding, n. a foretelling. 



Found'-er-ing, n. being filled with 
water and sinking. 

6. Har'-bin-ger, n. that which precedes 
and gives notice beforehand of any 
thing. 

7. Re-verse', v. to turn to the contrary, 
A-nal'o-gy, », resemblance between 
things. 

8. Im'-mi-nence, n. a hanging over. 
Spasms, n. ( violent and ir- 
Con-vul'-sions,?i ( regular contrac- 
tion of the muscles of the body. 
Ex-tort', v. to wring or force out of. 



10 



NECESSITY OF EDUCATION. 

1. We must + educate*! We must educate*! or we must perish' 
by our own prosperity*. If we do not', short will be our race from 
the cradle to the grave. If, in our haste to be rich and mighty', 
we outrun our literary and religious institutions', they will never 
overtake us ; or only come up after the battle of liberty is fought 
and lost, as spoils to + grace the victory, and as "^resources of 
inexorable despotism for the perpetuity of our bondage. 

2. But what will become of the West, if her prosperity rushes 
up to such a majesty of power, while those great + institutions 
linger which are necessary to form the mind, and the t conscience, 
and the heart of that vast world ? It must not be permitted. 
And yet what is done must be done quickly, for population will 
not wait', and + commerce will not cast anchor', and manufactures 
will not shut off the steam', nor shut down the gate*, and agricul- 
ture', pushed by millions of freemen on their fertile soil', will not- 
withhold her corrupting abundance*. 

3. And let no man at the East quiet himself, and dream of 
liberty, whatever may become of the West. Our + alliance of 
blood, and + political institutions, and common interests, is Buch, 



72 M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

that we can not stand aloof in the hour of her calamity, should it 
ever come. Hei J destiny is our'" destiny; and the day that her 
gallant ship goes down', our little boat sinks in the vortexM 

4. The great experiment is now making*, and from its extent 
and rapid filling up', is making in the West', whether the perpetuity 
of our republican institutions can be + reconciled with universal 
suffrage'. Without the education of the head? and heart" of the 
nation, they can not* be; and the question to be decided is, can 
the nation, or the vast balance power of it, be so imbued with 
intelligence and virtue as to bring out, in laws and their adminis- 
tration, a perpetual self-preserving energy ? We know that the 
work is a vast one, and of great difficulty ; and yet we believe it 
can be done. 

5. I am aware that our ablest patriots are looking out on the 
deep, vexed with storms, with great forebodings and failings of 
heart, for fear of the things that are coming upon us ; and I per- 
ceive a spirit of impatience rising, and distrust in respect to the 
perpetuity of our republic ; and I am sure that these fears are well 
founded, and am glad that they exist. It is the star of hope in 
our dark horizon. Fear is what we need, as the ship needs wind 
on a rocking sea, after a storm, to prevent foundering. But when 
our fear and our efforts shall + correspond with our danger, the 
danger is past. 

6. For it is not the impossibility of self-preservation which 
threatens' us ; nor is it the unwillingness of the nation to pay the 
price of the preservation' ', as she has paid the price of the purchase) 
of our liberties. It is inattention^ and inconsideration y , + protracted 
till the crisis is past, and the things which belong to our peace' are 
hid from our eyes\ And blessed be God, that the tokens of a 
national waking up, the harbinger of God's mercy, are multiplying 
upon us ! 

7. We did not, in the darkest hour, believe that God had brought 
our fathers to this goodly land to lay the foundation of religious 
liberty, and wrought such wonders in their preservation, and raised 
their descendants to such hights of civil and religious liberty, only 
to reverse the analogy of his + providence, and abandon his work. 

8. And though there now be clouds, and the sea roaring, and 
men's hearts failing, we believe there is light behind the cloud, and 
that the imminence of our danger is intended, under the guidance 
of Heaven, to call forth and apply a holy, + fraternal fellowship 
between the East and the West, which shall secure our ''"preserva- 
tion, and make the + prosperity of our nation durable as time, and 
as abundant as the waves of the sea. 

9. I would add, as a motive to immediate action', that, if we do 
fail in our great + experiment of self-government', our destruction 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 73 

will be as signal as the birthright abandoned', the mercies abused', 
and the + provocation offered to beneficent Heaven\ The descent 
of desolation' will correspond with the past elevation\ 

10. No punishments of Heaven are so severe as those for 
mercies abused x ; and no instrumentality employed in their inflic- 
tion is so dreadful as the wrath of man\ No spasms are like the 
spasms of expiring liberty, and no + wailing such as her convuU 
sions extort. 

11. It took Rome three hundred years to die v ; and our death, 
if we perish, will be as much more + terrific, as our intelligence 
and free institutions have given us more bone, sinew, and vitality. 
May God hide from me the day when the dying agonies of my 
country shall beginM O, thou beloved land', bound together by 
the ties of brotherhood', and common interest', and perils'! live 
forever' 1 — one and undivided'! Beecher. 



Question s. — Why is education so necessary in this country? What 
will, without education, contribute to our downfall? What can save the 
nation's liberties? Can the nation continue free, without the influence of 
education and religion? Why should we regard the prospects of this 
nation with fear? What can be the advantage of a spirit of fear? Why 
may we trust that God will not abandon our nation to ruin ? What will 
insure her destruction? What is said of the greatness of such a destruc- 
tion? What are the most dreadful punishments that heaven can inflict 
upon a nation? How would our destruction compare with that of Rome? 

Give the reasons for the inflections marked in the 2d paragraph. (The 
principle of negative sentences prevails in this sentence. See Rule VI for 
inflections, 2§, Note.) 

In what mode, tense, number, and person, is " must educate," in the 
first sentence? In the 3d paragraph, for what noun does the pronoun 
" her " stand? Parse the last word in the lesson. See Pinneo's Analytical 
Grammar, Rule 7. 



ARTICULATION. 

Prolong the sounds of the vowels that are italicized. 
JEJ-tt, a-11, a-ge, a-rm, o-ld, ou-r, ee-\, h-oy, isle. 
Our Fa-ther, who art in Heaven. Woe unto thee, Chorazin 1 Woe 
unto thee, Bethsaida ! 

7 



74 



MCGUifFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



LESSON XVI. 

Pronounce correctly. — Pur-chas'd, not pur-chis'd: jew-els, 
jules : cor-al, not co-rul : de-struc-tion, not di$-truc~tion» 



not 



'10. O'-nyx, n. a gem partly transparent, 
with veins of different colors. 
Sap'-phire, n. (pro. saf-fer), a pre- 
cious stone, blue, red, violet, Ac. 

11. Crys'-tal, n. a regular solid of any 
mineral. 



13. Cor'-al, n. *, kind of animal and its 

shell. [color. 

15. To'-paz, n. a gem of a yellowish 

28. Ad-just'-od, v. settled, reduced to a 
right standard. 

29. Pre-scri'-bed, v. laid down as rules. 



TRUE WISDOM. 

1. But where shall + wisdom be found'? 

And where is the place of "♦* understanding'? 

Man knoweth not the price thereof; 

Nor can it be found in the land of the living. 
5. The deep saith', It is not with me'; 

And the sea saith', It is not with me\ 

It can not be gotten for gold, 

Nor shall silver be weighed out as the price thereof. 

It can not be * purchased with the gold of Ophir ; 
10. With the + precious onyx, or the sapphire. 

Gold and crystal are not to be compared with it ; 

Nor can it be purchased with jewels of fine gold. 

No mention shall be made of coral, or of crystal, 

For wisdom is more precious than pearls. 
15. The topaz of Ethiopia can not equal it; 

Nor can it be purchased with the purest gold. 

Whence, then, cometK wisdom ? 

And where is* the place of understanding ? 

Since it is hidden from the eyes of all the living, 
20. And kept close from the fowls of the air. 
+ Destruction and Death say, 

We have heard of its fame with our ears. 

God only knoweth the way to it ; 

He only knoweth its dwelling-place. 
25. For he seeth to the ends of the earth, 

And + surveyeth all things under the whole heaven. 

When he gave the winds their weight', 

And adjusted the waters by measure'; 

When he prescribed laws to the rain', 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



75 



30. And a path to the + glittering thunderbolt'; 

Then did he see it, and make it known': 

He + established it ; and + searched it out : 

But he said unto man, 

Behold*! the fear of the Lord*, that is thy wisdom, 
35. And to + depart from f evil, thy understanding. 

Dr. Cheevek's Hebrew Poets. 



Question s. — "Where is Ethiopia ? What is true wisdom ? Can it be 
purchased? "Where can it be obtained? What is the evidence that God is 
wise, and is willing to give us the wisdom that we need? 

Give the rule for the inflections marked in the clause ending with the 
31st line. (Commencing series.) 



ARTICULATION. 

Prolong the sounds of the vowels that are italicized. 
Kn-ow, iv-ee, th-ey, d-aw-n, n-ow, b-ay, th-e-re, sn-o-re. 
Soothed with the sownd, the king grew? vain. Roll on, thou deep and 
dark \>lue ocean, roll. 



LESSON XVII. 

Articulate distinctly. — Ru-di-ments, not ru-di-mens : task, not 
tass: ex-pect, not ex-pec: re-col-lect, not re-col-lec: in-dis-tinct, not 
in-dis-tinc: in-tel-lect, not in-telrlec : per-fect-ly, not per-fec-ly : re-spect, 
not re-spec. 



1. Pre-coc'-i-ty, n. early growth, ripe- 
ness before the usual time. 

2. Ru'-di-ments, «. first principles, 
things to be first learnt. 

4. De-vi'-ces, n. contrivances. 

5. So-lic'-it-ous, a, anxious, very desi- 
rous. 



6. Ty'-ro, n. a beginner. 

7. Her-cu'-le-an, a. very difficult. 

11. Con-sec'-u-tive, a, following in order. 

14. En-trance'-ment, n. a kind of rap- 
ture or astonishment. 

19. Al-tern-a'-tion, n, reciprocal succes- 
sion. 



a mother's influence. 

1. "I was a dull boy," said Judge B , in answer to some 

remarks of Mrs. Wentworth, referring to the usual precocity of 
genius., and hinting at the display which the learned and ^celebrated 



76 

Judge must have made in his + juvenile studies, " I was a very 
dull boy. Till I was full nine years old, I dreaded the name of 
book and school. 

2. "It is true, I had made some progress in the rudiments of 
English, and had begun the Latin Grammar ; but this was wholly 
owing to the constant instruction and personal influence of my 
mother. It was only in obedience to her, that I attended school. 
I would have preferred a severe whipping every day of my life, if 
by that means I might have been + exempted from the task of 
study. I was the drone of the school. 

3. " My mother began my education very early; I was her only 
child, and she a widow; you may easily imagine, therefore, how 
eager she must have been for my improvement. She tried every 
means that love, faith, and patience could + suggest, to instruct me 
in my lessons and my duties. In the latter she was not disap- 
pointed. I may say, without boasting, that I was an obedient boy, 
for I loved my mother so well, that it was a pleasure to do her 
bidding. 

4. " But I could not learn my book ; the fountain of knowledge 
was, to my taste, bitter waters, and all the devices which + ingenuity 
has invented to make learning easy, failed in my case. I had to 
wear the duncecap at school ; and so sluggish was my mind, that I 
did not care a straw for the disgrace, till I found it made my 
mother weep when she heard of it. Indeed, I preferred to be at 
the foot of my class, for then I had no trouble about trying to keep 
my station ; and even at the opening of the school, I always took 
my place at the foot : it seemed to fall naturally to me. I was as 
contented as Diogenes in his tub. 

5. " Thus the time passed', till the winter I entered my tenth 
year*. The schoolmaster was preparing for a famous exhibition'; 
and as he knew how solicitous my mother was for my improvement, 
he called on her to ^ascertain if she thought it possible that I could 
take a part'. She did" think it possible; what mother would 
despair of her only child? She undertook to teach me the piece I 
was to speak. 

6. "The teacher had selected that + pithy little poem, so appro- 
priate for the young tyro, beginning — 

"' You'd scarce expect one of my age 
To speak in public on the stage, 
And if I chance to fall below 
Demosthenes or Cicero, 
Do n't view me with a critic's eye, 
But pass my imperfections by, &c.' 

7. "These six lines were my first lesson; and after tea, my 
mother sat down to the task of teaching it, telling me that I must 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 77 

learn to recite those six lines, during that and the following even- 
ing. You smile', ladies', but it seemed an Herculean task to me\ 
and it was only my strong affection for my mother', that would 
have induced me to undertake' it. 

8. "The teacher had promised me, that, if I spoke my piece 
well, he would give me a silver + medal. I cared nothing for that, 
till my mother drew me to her, and, as she put back my hair and 
kissed my forehead in her loving manner, said, " Oh, Robert! how 
happy I shall be to see you come home with the medal on ! ;; I 
thought then that I would try to obtain it. So I sat down cheer- 
fully to my task. 

9. "I recollect the scene as though it were but yesterday. My 
mother read the six lines to me a number of times over, and then 
she explained the meaning of the words. She told me of Demos- 
thenes, and the efforts he made to overcome his natural defects. I 
remember asking her if I should get some pebbles to hold in mi/' 
mouth; whether it would do me' any good; and how happy her 
laugh rang out at my "^witticism. Then she told me of Cicero, 
and of the great services he rendered his country, by his oratory 
and learning, thus endeavoring to awaken my mind to some effort 
of imitation. 

10. " I like to listen to stories, and it was in this manner that I 
had been taught what little I knew ; for I could not comprehend 
words. I wanted images, and these, my mother, by her manner, 
and the comparisons she would draw from familiar things, could 
succeed in + picturing to my imagination. In books, I found 
nothing but words, and those I could not remember. But I am 
growing tedious, I fear, as that evening was to my mother and 
myself. 

11. " For two long hours she patiently taught* me. I read over 
the lines a hundred times'; I recited them after her'; sometimes, I 
would repeat two or three consecutive words'; and I could see her 
face brighten with hope'; but when she took the book for the last 
recitation', and after I had been studying most + intently for some 
minutes', I could not repeat a single word 1 . I can recollect now 
my + sensation at that time. It seemed to me, that I knew all 
that my mother wished me to say ; but a kind of wavering shadow 
would come between me and my lesson, and make all the words 
indistinct, and my will had no power to control these + fancies. 

12. "When my mother had vainly tried every possible method 
to make me recollect the first two lines, she was quite overcome. 
I believe her hope of my intellect was + extinguished, and that she 
felt, for the first time, what all who knew me had + predicted, that 
I should be a dunce. It must be a terrible trial for a sensible 



78 MCQUFFEF'S FOURTH HEADER, 

mother to think, that her only child is a fool. She burst into a 
passion of tears; covered her face with her hands, and sunk on her 
knees beside the sofa where we were sitting. 

13. "I started up in + amazement at her grief, for I had never 
before seen her so moved : she was habitually calm as a summer's 
morning; but now her sobs and groans seemed bursting her heart. 
My knees trembled, and a burning heat rushed over my frame. 
At that moment, something seemed to open in my head, and a 
light — I can compare it to nothing else — seemed to be let in to 
my brain. 

14. "I saw, or felt, — that perhaps would be more proper, — every 
word of the lesson I had been learning, as though it were graven 
with a pen of fire. I knew that I could repeat my lesson ; and 
many other lessons that I had vainly tried to learn, now all were 
present to my memory in perfect ''"arrangement. I stood in a state 
of entrancement, almost, as these new and clear ideas came throng- 
ing on my mind, till my dear mother arose from her kneeling 
posture, and stretched out her hand to draw me to her. 

15. "Her face was deadly pale, but perfectly calm and resigned. 
I have her countenance now before me, mild and beautiful as an 
angel's. She had given up her hope of my mind, but her love was 
deeper and more tender, perhaps, because her pride in me had been 
utterly humbled. Oh, there is no earthly passion so disinterested 
as a mother's love ! She thought, from my countenance, that I was 
frightened ; and drawing me to her, she + caressed me, and mur- 
mured, ( my son', my dear sonV 

16. " ' I can say my lesson, mother, I can say my lesson now'/ 
I broke out, and instantly repeated not only the six lines, but the 
whole poem which I had heard her read, but had never read 
myself. She was astonished ; but when I went on to repeat hymns 
and poems which she had in vain tried to teach me for months and 
years, her joyful + exclamations were raised in thanks to God; 
and her tears again flowed like rain. 

17. " I do not think she retired' that night at all v ; for she was 
kneeling by my bedside when I went to sleep v , and when I opened} 
my eyes in the morning', she was bending over* me. Probably', 
she feared I might lose my memory*, and watched my first awaking 
to + confirm her hopes*. She was gratified. I recollected more 
clearly that morning than the previous evening. My whole being 
seemed changed. Every object looked brighter*, every word 
sounded with a new meaning*.' 7 

18. "Do you believe, that any new + faculty of mind was given 
you ? " asked Mrs. Wentworth. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 79 

" No, surely not', but my intellect was aroused and enlightened. 
How this was effected', I do not pretend to say. I have never 
since found any difficulty in literary pursuits'; the exercise of my 
mind is my most pleasurable employment'. I gained the medal 
with great "** applause ; and was sweetly rewarded by the praises 
and kisses of my mother. 

19. " How happy she was'! too happy for this world. I fear 
the alternations of grief and joy, had an injurious effect on her 
health. She passed away in a few months, and left me an orphan 
indeed, But her memory can never pass from me, while my 
reason remains. To her I am indebted, for all my enjoyment of 
intellect. I have no doubt, that, had a severe and chilling disci- 
pline been pursued with me at home, as it was at school, I should 
always have been a dull and ignorant being, perhaps an idiot. To 
a good, faithful, intelligent mother, what gratitude and respect do 
not her children owe ! I shall always + vindicate the cause of 
woman/' Ladies' Magazine. 



Question s. — Give Judge B 's description of himself when a child. 

Describe the circumstances -which seemed to lead to the development of his 
faculties. Did his subsequent improvement show any change of faculties, 
or only their more vigorous application? To whose influence was all this 
owing? 

In the 13th paragraph, -which words are in the nominative case? "Which 
in the possessive case? Which in the objective case? Which nouns are 
in the singular number? Which in the plural? W r hich verbs are in the 
infinitive mode? 



ARTICULATION. 

Give a full and distinct sound to the consonants that are italicized. 
#-ow, <2-are, /-ame, P'-ave, A-orse, j-ew, &-ite, Z-ord, m-an, tiro, p-it, 
£-ueer, r-ow, s-ir, 2-ake, v-ow, «e-oe, y-e, th-ose, ^-uinb, wh-&t, sh-ovr, 



80 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XVIII. 

PitONouNCE correctly. — Oft-en, pro., of'n : for-ti-tude, not for-ti- 
tshude : fort-une, not for-ten, nor for-tsliune : Prov-i-dence, not Prov-i- 
dunce: con-grat-u-la-ting, not con- grat-ty -la-ting : sit-u-a-tion, not sit- 
oo-a-tion, nor sit-shu-a-tion : stim-u-la-ted, not stim-my -la-led, nor stinp- 
er-la-ted, nor stim-ew-la-ted, but stim-yu-la-ted. 



1. Dis-as'-ters, n. unfortunate events. 
In-tre-pid'-it-y, n. courage, fcarless- 

2. Triv'-i-al, a. trifling, small. [ness. 
3- Rift'-ed, p. split open. 

Ten'-drils, n. the claspers of a vine. 



Sol'-ace, n. comfort in grief. 
Rc-ces'-ses, n. retirement, secrcsy. 

4. En-thu'-si-asm, n. warmth of feeling. 

5. Re-trieve', v. to repair, to restore to 
a good state. 



THE WIFE. 

1. I have often had occasion to remark the ''"fortitude with 
which women sustain the most + overwhelming reverses of fortune. 
Those disasters which break down the spirit of a man, and 
prostrate him in the dust, seem to call forth all the energies of the 
softer sex, and give such intrepidity and elevation to their 
character, that, at times, it approaches to sublimity. 

2. Nothing can be more touching, than to behold a soft and 
tender female, who had been all weakness and + dependence, and 
alive to every trivial + roughness, while treading the prosperous 
paths of life, suddenly rising in mental force to be the comforter 
and supporter of her husband under misfortune, and abiding, 
with unshrinking firmness, the most bitter blasts of + adversity. 

8. As the vine, which has long twined its graceful + foliage 
about the oak, and been lifted by it into sunshine, will, when the 
hardy plant is rifted by the "'"thunderbolt, cling around it with its 
caressing tendrils, and bind up its "*" shattered boughs'; so it is 
beautifully ordered by Providence, that woman, who is the mere 
dependent and ornament of man in his happier hours, should be 
his stay and solace, when smitten with sudden calamity*; winding 
herself into the + rugged recesses of his nature', tenderly sup- 
porting the drooping head', and binding up the broken heart\ 

4. I was once congratulating a friend, who had around him a 
blooming family, knit together in the strongest ''"affection. "I 
can wish you no better lot'," said he', with enthusiasm', " tban to 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 81 

have a wife and children*. If you are + prosperous', there they 
are to share" your prosperity; if otherwise *, there they are to 
com/or? you." 

5. And, indeed, I have observed, that a married' man, falling 
into misfortune', is more apt to retrieve his situation in the world 
than a single^ one; partly', because he is more stimulated to 
exertion by the + necessities of the helpless and beloved beings 
who depend upon him for "''subsistence*; but chiefly', because his 
spirits are soothed and relieved by domestic endearments, and his 
self-respect kept alive by finding, that, though all abroad is dark- 
ness and humiliation', yet there is still a little world of love at 
home, of which he is the + monarch*. Whereas, a single man is 
apt to run to waste and self-neglect, to fancy himself lonely and 
abandoned, and his heart to fall to ruin, like some deserted ''"man- 
sion, for want of an inhabitant. "W". Irving. 



Questions. — What is said of the fortitude of the female sex ? "What 
effect is produced on the mind by the view of this trait ? To what natu- 
ral object is it beautifully compared ? Why should a man have a family? 
What is apt to be the case with the single man, as to character and comfort? 
Give rules for the inflections. 

N. B. — The teacher will find it profitable to the pupil, to examine him 
frequently upon the subject of inflections and emphasis, whether these. 
are marked in the lesson or not. Indeed, the few questions inserted upon 
these points, are intended merely as a specimen of that manner of 
examination which, it is believed, will be found useful. 



ARTICULATION. 

In the following words, sound the last consonant distinctly. 

(After such exercises as this, it will be necessary to guard against a 
drawling style of reading.) 

Or-b, ai-cZ, fa-#, Geor-^e, a-ZZ, ai-m, ow-n, li-^>, wa-r, hi-ss, ha-?!, 
gi-?;e, 2L-dd, so-ng, brea-i(7j, tru-th, ipu-sh, bir-cA. 

Mo-6, la-rf, T\i-f, ha-g, c&-ge, ta-cJc, fi-ZZ, ri-m, si-n, ho-^p, fa-r, pa-ce, 
hi-t, ha-ye, ha-s, pa-n<7, hzi-nk, soo-t7ie, pi-Z7t, -wish, li-ch. 



82 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XIX. 

Pronounce correctly. Guilt-less, not guilt-liss: mor-tals, not 
mor-tuls : pen-ance, not peiwmce : up-ward, not up-wud. 



2. Perch,v.to light or settle on any thing. 

3. Pen'-ance, n. suffering for sin. 

4. Lays, n. songs. [singers. 

5. Choir (pro. kwire), n. a collection of 



Dome, n. a building. Here it meant 
the heavens. 
6, Con'-se-cra-ted, a. set apart for the 
service of God. 



THE WINGED WORSHIPERS. 

[Addressed to two swallows, that flew into Church during Divine Service.] 

1. Gay, + guiltless pair', 

What seek ye from the fields of heaven ? 

Ye have no need of + prayer', 
Ye have no sins! to be forgiven. 

2. Why perch ye here\ 

Where mortals* to their Maker bend? 

Can your pure spirits fear 
The God ye never could offend'? 

3. Ye never knew 

The crimes for which we come to weep': 

Penance is not for you', 
Blessed +wand'rers of the upper deep. 

4. To you 't is given 

To wake sweet nature's + untaught lays; 

Beneath the arch of heaven 
To + chirp away a life of praise. 

5. Then spread each wing, 

Far, far above, o'er lakes and lands, 

And join the choirs that sing 
In yon blue dome not + reared with hands. 

6. Or if ye stay 

To note the consecrated hour, 

Teach me the + airy way, 
And let me try your + envied power. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



83 



7. Above the crowd, 

On upward wings could I but fly, 
I'd bathe in yon bright cloud, 
And seek the stars that gem the sky. 

8. 'T were heaven indeed, 

Through fields of f trackless light to soar, 

On nature's charms to feed, 
And nature's own great G-od + adore. 

Sprague. 



Questions . — On what occasion was this poem written ? "We address 
letters to our friends : was this addressed to the birds in the same sense ? 
Do you discover any beautiful expressions in this lesson ? Point them out. 

Give the rule for the rising inflection at " pair." For the falling inflec- 
tion at "heaven." For the rising inflection at "prayer" and "sins." 
(Rule VI, 2§, Note.) What inflections are proper at the two questions in 
the 2d stanza ? 



LESSON XX. 

Remark. — Take care not to let the voice grow weaker and weaker, as 
you approach the end of the sentence. 

Articulate correctly. Full-est, not full-es : suf-fer-ing, not suf- 
rin: surest, not sur-es: un-feel-ing, not un-fed-in: friends, not fren's: 
beau-ti-ful-ly, not beau-ti-JVy : ga-zing, not ga-zin. 

Pronounce distinctly. Vi-o-lets, not vi-er-lits : ag-o-ni-zing, 
not ag-er-mz-ing : fea-tures, not fea-ters, nor fea-tshures. 



1. Mod-i-fi-ea'-tion, n. a particular form 
or manner. 

Av'-e-nue, n. an entrance, a way. 

2. In'-va-lid, n. a person who is sick. 

4. Fran'-tic, a. characterized by vio- 
lence and fury. [of. 

5. E-merg'-ed, v, reappeared, came out 



Vi'-tals, n. parts of the body neces- 
sary to life. 

Hec'-tic, a. habitual, constitutional. 
Par'-ox-ysms, n, severe turns or fits, 
E-vinc'-ed, v. made evident. 
Grhast'-ly, a. deathlike, pale. 
"Wail, n. loud weeping. 



THE INTEMPERATE HUSBAND. 

1. There was one modification of her husband's ''"persecutions, 
which the fullest measure of Jane Harwood's piety could not 
enable her to bear unmoved. This was unkindness to her feeble 
and suffering boy. It was at first commenced as the surest mode 
of t distressing her. It opened a direct avenue to her heart. 



84 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

2. What began in + perverseness, seemed to end in hatred, as 
evil habits sometimes create f perverted f principles. The wasted 
invalid shrunk from his father's glance and footstep, as from the 
approach of a foe. More than once had he taken him from the 
little bed which maternal care had provided for him, and forced 
him to go forth in the cold of the winter storm. 

3. "I mean to harden him," said he. "All the ^neighbors 
know that you make such a fool of him, that he will never be able 
to get a livrng. For my part, I wish I had never been called to 
the trial of supporting a useless boy, who pretends to be sick only 
that he may be "^coaxed by a silly mother." 

4. On such occasions, it was in vain that the mother attempted 
to protect her child. She might neither shelter him in her 
bosom, nor control the frantic violence of the father. Harshness, 
and the agitation of fear, deepened a disease which might else 
have yielded. The timid boy, in terror of his natural + protector, 
withered away like a + blighted flower. It was of no avail that 
friends + remonstrated with the unfeeling parent, or that hoary- 
headed men warned him solemnly of his sins. Intemperance had 
destroyed his respect for man, and his fear of God. 

5. Spring at length emerged from the shades of that heavy and 
bitter winter. But its smile brought no gladness to the declining 
child. + Consumption fed upon his vitals, and his nights were full 
of pain. 

6. " Mother, I wish I could smell the violets that grew upon 
the green bank by our old dear home." "It is too early for 
violets, my child. But the grass is beautifully green around us, 
and the birds sing sweetly, as if their hearts were full of praise." 

7. "In my dreams last night, I saw the clear waters of the 
brook that ran by the bottom of my little garden. I wish I could 
taste them once more. And I heard such music, too, as used to 
come from that white church among the trees, where every Sunday 
the happy people meet to worship God." 

8. The mother knew that the hectic fever had been long 
increasing, and saw there was such an unearthly brightness in his 
eye, that she feared his + intellect wandered. She seated herself 
on his low bed, and bent over him to soothe and compose him. 
He lay silent for some time. 

9. "Do you think my father will come?" Dreading the 
+ agonizing "'"agitation which, in his paroxysms of coughing and 
pain, he evinced at the sound of his father's well-known footstep, 
she answered, " I think not, love. You had better try to sleep." 

10. " Mother, I wish he would come. I do not feel afraid 
now. Perhaps he would let me lay my cheek to his once more. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 85 

as he used to do when I was a babe in my grandmother's arms. I 
should be glad to say good-by to hint, before I go to my Savior." 

11. Gazing + intently in his face, she saw the work of the 
destroyer, in lines too plain to be mistaken. " My son, my dear 
son, say, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." " Mother," he replied, 
with a sweet smile upon his ghastly features, a he is ready. I 
desire to go to him. Hold the baby to me, that I may kiss her. 
That is all. Now sing to me, and oh ! wrap me close in your 
arms, for I shiver with cold." 

12. He clung, with a death grasp, to that bosom which had 
long been his sole earthly "'"refuge. " Sing louder, dear mother, a 
little louder, I can not hear you." A tremulous tone, as of a 
broken harp, rose above her grief, to comfort the dying child. 
One sigh of icy breath was upon her cheek, as she joined it to 
his — one shudder — and all was over. 

13. She held the body long in her arms, as if fondly hoping to 
warm and restore it to life with her breath. Then she stretched it 
upon its bed, and kneeling beside it, hid her face in that grief 
which none but mothers feel. It was a deep and sacred + solitude, 
alone with the dead. Nothing save the soft breathing of the 
sleeping babe fell upon that solemn pause. 

14. Then the silence was broken by a wail of piercing sorrow. 
It ceased, and a voice arose, a voice of + supplication for strength 
to endure, as of one " seeing Him who is invisible." Faith 
closed what was begun in weakness. It became a prayer of 
thanksgiving to Him who had released the dove-like spirit from the 
prisonhouse of pain, that it might taste the peace and mingle in 
the melody of heaven. 

Mrs. Sigoukxey. 



Questions . — What is the subject of this pieoe ? How did the man 
commence abusing his child ? What effect was produced on the health 
of the child ? Can you describe the scene of the deathbed ? What did 
the child dream about ? What did he wish to say to his father ? 

Explain the inflections proper at each pause of the voice, in paragraphs 
9, 10, 11, and 12. 

Parse "shudder," in the 12th paragraph. "Fell," in the 13th. 
"What," in the 14th. 



86 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XXI. 

Remark. — While each pupil reads, let the rest observe, and then 
mention which syllables are pronounced incorrectly, and which omitted, 
or indistinctly sounded. 

Articulate distinctly. — Shi-ning, not slii-nin: al-most, not at- 
moce: mem-o-ries, not memories: heal-ing, not heal-in: old-est, not 
ole-es : rev-er-ent-ly, not rev'rent-ly : with-er-ing, not with'rin: select- 
ed, not s'lect-ed : fu-ner-al, not fu-n'ral : per-ma-nent, not per-m'nerd : 
in-ter-est-ed, not in-t'rest-ed. 



2. E-ma'-cia-ted, a, thin, reduced in flesh. 
Sway, n. power, influence, 

3. Se-clu'-ded, a. retired, lonely. 

4. Mod'-u-la-ted, p. varied, adapted to 
the expression of feeling. 



10. In-di-ca'-tions, n. tokens, signs. 
Tran'-sient, a. of short duration. 

11. Chast'-en-ed, (pro. chaia'nd) a. af- 
flicted for correction. 
Do-min'-ion, n. controlling influence. 



THE INTEMPERATE HU SB AND.— continued. 

1. She arose from her supplication, and bent calmly over her 
dead. The thin, placid features ware a smile, as when he had 
spoken of Jesus. She + composed the shining locks around the 
pure forehead, and gazed long on what was to her so beautiful. 
Tears had vanished from her eyes, and in their stead was an 
expression almost sublime, as one who had given an angel back 
to God. 

2. The father entered + carelessly. She pointed to the pallid, 
+ immovable brow, u See, he suffers no longer." He drew near, 
and looked on the dead with surprise and sadness. A few natural 
tears forced their way, and fell on the face of the first-born, who 
was once his pride. The memories of that moment were bitter. 
He spoke tenderly to the emaciated mother ; and she, who a short 
time before was raised above the sway of grief, wept like an infant, 
as those few + affectionate tones touched the sealed fountains of 
other years. 

3. Neighbors and friends visited them, desirous to console their 
sorrow, and attended them when they committed the body to the 
earth. There was a shady and secluded spot, which they had 
''"consecrated by the burial of their few dead. Thither that whole 
little colony were gathered, and, seated on the fresh grass, listened 
to the holy, healing words of the + inspired volume. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 87 

4. It was read by the oldest man in the colony, who had him- 
self often mourned. As he bent reverently over the sacred page, 
there was that on his brow, which seemed to say, "This has been 
my comfort in my affliction. " Silver hairs thinly covered his 
temples, and his low voice was modulated by feeling, as he read of 
the f frailty of man, withering like the flower of the grass, before 
it groweth up; and of His majesty, in whose sight "a thousand 
years are as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the 
night." 

5. He selected from the words of that compassionate One, who 
" gathereth the lambs with his arm, and carrieth them in his 
bosom," who, pointing out as an example the humility of little 
children, said, " Except ye become as one of these, ye can not enter 
the kingdom of heaven/'' and who calleth all the weary and heavy 
laden to come unto him, that he may give them rest. 

6. The scene called forth + sympathy, even from manly bosoms. 
The mother, worn with watching and weariness, bowed her head 
down to the clay that concealed her child. And it was observed 
with gratitude by that friendly group, that the husband supported 
her in his arms, and mingled his tears with hers. 

7. He returned from the funeral in much mental distress. His 
sins were brought to remembrance, and reflection was misery. 
For many nights, sleep was disturbed by visions of his neglected 
boy. Sometimes he imagined that he heard him coughing from 
his low bed, and felt + constrained to go to him, in a strange dispo- 
sition of kindness, but his limbs were unable to obey the dictates 
of his will. 

8. Conscience haunted him with terrors, and many prayers from 
pious hearts arose, that he might now be led to repentance. The 
venerable man who had read the Bible at the burial of his boy, 
counseled and entreated him, with the earnestness of a father, to 
yield to the warning voice, and to " break off his sins by 
"^righteousness, and his iniquities by turning unto the Lord." 

9. There was a change in his habits and conversation, and his 
friends trusted it would be ^permanent. She, who, above all others, 
was interested in the result, spared no exertion to win him back to 
the way of truth, and soothe his heart into peace with itself, and 
obedience to his Maker. 

10. Yet was she doomed to witness the full force of grief, and 
of remorse for intemperance, only to see them utterly + overthrown 
at last. The reviving virtue, with whose indications she had 
* solaced herself, and even given thanks that her beloved son had 
not died in vain, was transient as the morning dew. 

11. Habits of industry, which had begun to spring up, proved 
themselves to be without root. The dead, and his cruelty to the 



88 



MOQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



dead, were alike forgotten. + Disaffection to the chastened being, 
who against hope still hoped for his salvation, resumed its 
dominion. 

12. The friends who had + alternately reproved and encouraged 
him, were convinced their efforts had been of no avail. Intem- 
perance, " like the strong man armed," took possession of a soul 
that lifted no cry to God, and girded on no weapon to resist the 
destroyer. Mrs. Sigourney. 

Questions. — What effect was produced upon the father by the death 
of his child ? What were his friends disposed to hope for ? How did 
intemperance take possession of him ? Why was he unsuccessful, do you 
suppose, in his resistance to intemperate habits ? 

Explain the inflections proper in the first three paragraphs. 



ARTICULATION. 

Bricks, dried, crack'd, crinkl'd, crayon, grand. 

The bricks were thoroughly dried. Crack 'd, crinkVd crayon. They 
drank of the purling brook. Grand crags arose towering on every side. 



LESSON XXII. 

Pronounce correctly. — Rep-tiles (pro. rep'-tils), not rep-tiles: poi' 
son, not pi-son : un-fort-u-nate, not un-fort-er-nit : an-i-mals, not an-i- 
muls : de-struc-tion, not dis-truc-tion : symp-toms, not symp-iims : 
in-san-i-ty, not in-san-er-ty. 



Rep'-tiles (pro. rep'-tils), n. animals 

that creep, as worms, snakes, &o. 

Re-coil', v. start back, shrink from. 

Coil'-ed, p. gathered into a circular 

form. 

Coy'-a, n. a kind of serpent. 



3. In-fest'-ed, v. troubled, annoyed. 

4. Ob-structs', v. hinders, stops. 

5. Rank'-le, v. to rage, to become violent. 
Spell, n. a charm. 

7, Still, n, a vessel used in distilling o< 
making liquors. 



THE VENOMOUS WORM. 

" Outvenoms all the worms of Nile." 

1. Who has not heard of the rattlesnake or + copperhead ? An 
unexpected sight of either of these reptiles will make even the 
lords of creation recoil; hut there is a species of worm, found in 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 89 

various parts of this state, which conveys a poison of a nature so 
deadly, that, compared with it, even the + venom of the rattlesnake 
is harmless. To guard our readers against this foe of human kind, 
is the object of this lesson. 

2. This worm varies much in size. It is frequently an inch in 
^diameter, but, as it is rarely seen, except when coiled, its length 
can hardly be "^conjectured. It is of a dull lead color, and gener- 
ally lives near a spring or small stream of water, and bites the 
unfortunate people, who are in the habit of going there to drink. 
The brute creation it never molests. They avoid it with the same 
+ instinct that teaches the animals of Peru to shun the deadly coya. 

3. Several of these reptiles have long infested our settlements, 
to the ^misery and destruction of many of our fellow citizens. I 
have, therefore, had frequent opportunities of being the melancholy 
spectator of the effects produced by the subtile poison which this 
worm + infuses. 

4. The + symptoms of its bite are terrible. The eyes of the 
patient become red and fiery, his tongue swells to an immoderate 
size, and obstructs his + utterance ; and + delirium of the most 
horrid character, quickly follows. Sometimes, in his madness, he 
attempts the destruction of his nearest friends. 

5. If the sufferer has a family, his weeping wife and helpless 
infants are not unfrequently the objects of his frantic fury. In a 
word, he * exhibits, to the- life, all the detestable passions that 
rankle in the bosom of a savage ; and, such is the spell in which 
his senses are locked, that, no sooner has the unhappy patient 
recovered from the * paroxysm of insanity, occasioned by the bite, 
than he seeks out the destroyer, for the sole purpose of being bitten 
again. 

6. I have seen a good old father, his locks as white as snow, 
his step slow and trembling, beg in vain of his only son to quit 
the + lurking place of the worm. My heart bled when he turned 
away ; for I knew the fond hope, that his son would be the " staff 
of his "^declining years/' had supported him through many a 
sorrow. 

7. Youths of America, would you know the name of this 1 
reptile ? It is called the Worm of the Still. 

Johx Russell. 



Question s. — "What is manufactured at the " still " here spoken of ? 
Why is intemperance worse than the bite of the most venomous serpent ? 
What is the coya? What part of a still is called the '-'worm?" Why is 
it so called? 

In the last paragraph parse " youths." See Analvt. Grammar, Rule 5. 

8 



00 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XXIII. 

Remark. — It "will be a good exercise for the pupil to stand at a dis- 
tance from the teacher, and then try to read so loud and distinctly, that 
the teacher may hear with perfect ease each syllable that is pronounced. 

Pronounce correctly. — Trough, (pro. trauf,) not troth: per-pe- 
fca-i-ty, not per-pe-tew-i-ty : pat-tern, not pat-tun: of-fi-cers, not of-ji-suz: 
lan-tern, not lan-tun : i-ron, pro. i-urn : thirst-y, not thus-ty. 



1. A-slope', adv. obliquely, in a slanting 
manner. [ported by the public. 

2. Pau'-per, n. a poor person, one sup- 
Pro-mul'-ga-ting, p. publishing. 

3. Mu-nic-i-pal'-i-ty, n. a division of 
country or of a city. 

4. Gob'-let, n. a kind of drinking vessel. 
Cogn'-iac, n. (pro. Kone'-yak) the 
best kind of brandy. 



Hol'-lands, n. a kind of gin. 

Ja-mai'-ca, ». a kind of rum. 
6. Po-ta'-tions, n. draughts. 

Ru'-bi-cund, a. inclined to redness. 
10. Tit-il-la'-tion, n. the state of being 

tickled, 
14. Mo-nop'-o-lize,v, to obtain the whole. 

Con-sum-ma'-tion, n. completion, 

perfection of a work. 



THE TOWN PUMP. 

(Scene. — The corner of two principal streets. — The Town Pump talking through 
its nose.) 

1. Noon, by the north clock'! Noon, by the east'! High noon, 
too, by those hot sunbeams which fall', scarcely aslope', upon my 
head, and almost make the water bubble and smoke in the trough 
under my nose'. Truly', we public characters have a tough time' 
of it ! And among all the town officers, chosen at the yearly 
meeting, where is he that sustains, for a single year, the burden of 
such + manifold duties as are imposed, in perpetuity, upon the 
Town Pump. 

2. The title of town treasurer is rightfully mine, as guardian of 
the best treasure the town has. The "*" overseers of the poor ought 
to make me their chairman, since I provide bountifully for the 
pauper, without expense to him that pays taxes. I am at the head 
of the fire department, and one of the physicians of the board of 
health. As a keeper of the peace, all water-drinkers confess me 
equal to the constable. I perform some of the duties of the town 
clerk, by promulgating public notices, when they are pasted on my 
front. 

3. To speak within bounds, I am chief person of* the munici- 
pality, and exhibit, moreover, an admirable pattern to my brother 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 91 

officers, by the cool, steady, upright, downright, and + impartial 
discharge of my business, and the constancy with which I stand to 
my post. Summer or winter, nobody seeks me in vain ; for all 
day long I am seen at the busiest corner, just above the market, 
stretching out my arms to rich and poor alike ; and at night I hold 
a lantern over my head, both to show where I am, and to keep 
people out of the gutters. 

4. At this sultry noontide, I am cupbearer to the parched popu- 
lace, for whose benefit an iron goblet is chained to my waist. Like 
a dramseller on the public square, on a + muster day, I cry aloud 
to all and sundry, in my plainest accents, and at the very tiptop 
of my voice. Here it is\ gentlemen'! Here is the good liquor M 
Walk up', walk up", gentlemen', walk up x , walk up'! Here is the 
superior stuff x ! Here is the + unadulterated ale of father Adam"! 
better than Cogniac', Hollands', Jamaica', strong beer', or wine of 
any v price ) here it is, by the hogshead or the single glass, and not 
a cent to pay ! Walk up, gentlemen, walk up and help yourselves ! 

5. It were a pity, if all this outcry should draw no customers. 
Here they come. A hot day, gentlemen. + Quaff and away again, 
so as to keep yourselves in a nice, cool sweat. You, my friend, 
will need another cupfull to wash the dust out of your throat, if it 
be as thick there as it is on your cowhide shoes. I see that you 
have trudged half a score of miles to-day, and, like a wise man, 
have passed by the taverns, and stopped at the running brooks and 
wellcurbs. Otherwise, betwixt heat without and fire within, you 
would have been burnt to a cinder, or melted down to nothing at 
all, in the fashion of a jellyfish. 

6. Drink, and make room for that other fellow, who seeks my 
aid to quench the fiery fever of last night's potations, which he 
drained from no cup of mine. Welcome, most rubicund sir ! You 
and I have been great strangers hitherto ) nor, to confess the truth, 
will my nose be anxious for a closer intimacy, till the fumes of 
your breath be a little less + potent. 

7. Mercy on you, man ! The water absolutely hisses down your 
red-hot + gullet, and is converted quite into steam in the "^niinature 
+ Tophet, which you mistake for a stomach. Fill again, and tell 
me, on the word of an honest toper, did you ever, in cellar, tavern, 
or any other kind of dramshop, spend the price of your children' s 
food, for a swig half so delicious ? Now, for the first time these 
ten years, you know the flavor of cold water. Grood-by ; and when- 
ever you are thirsty, recollect that I keep a constant supply, at the 
old stand. 

8. Who next ? Oh, my little friend, you are just let loose from 
school, and come hither to scrub your blooming face, and drown 
the memory of certain taps of the fcrule_, and other schocl-boy 



92 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH 



troubles, in a + draught from the Town Pump. Take it, pure as 
the current of your young life ', take it, and may your heart and 
tongue never be scorched with a fiercer thirst than now. 

9. There, my dear child, put down the cup, and yield your place 
to this elderly gentleman, who treads so tenderly over the paving- 
stones, that I suspect he is afraid of breaking them. What ! he 
limps by, without so much as thanking me, as if my + hospitable 
offers were meant only for people who have no wine-cellars. 

10. "Well, well, sir, no harm done, I hope ! Go, draw the cork, 
tip the decanter j but when your great toe shall set you a roaring, 
it will be no affair of mine. If gentlemen love the pleasant titilla- 
tion of the gout, it is all one to the Town Pump. This thirsty 
dog, with his red tongue + lolling out, does not scorn my hospitality, 
but stands on his hind legs, and laps eagerly out of the trough. 
See, how lightly he + capers away again ! J owler, did your worship 
ever have the gout ? 

11. Your pardon', good people'! I must interrupt my stream of 
eloquence, and spout forth a stream of water, to + replenish the 
trough for this teamster and his two yoke of oxen, who have come 
all the way from Staunton, or somewhere along that way. No part 
of my business gives me more pleasure than the watering of cattle. 
Look v ! how rapidly they lower the water-mark on the sides of the 
trough', till their capacious stomachs are moistened with a gallon 
or two apiece, and they can afford time to breathe, with sighs of 
calm enjoyment. Now, they roll their quiet eyes around the brim 
of their monstrous drinking vessel. An ox is your true toper. 

12. I hold myself the grand + reformer of the age. From my 
spout, and such spouts as mine, must flow the stream that shall 
cleanse our earth of a vast portion of its crime and anguish, which 
has gushed from the fiery fountains of the still. In this mighty 
+ enterprise, the cow shall be my great confederate. Milk and 
water ! 

13. Ahem! Dry work, this + speechifying, especially to all 
unpracticed orators. I never conceived, till now, what toil the 
temperance lecturers undergo for my. sake. Do, some kind 
Christian, pump a stroke or two, just to wet my whistle. Thank 
you, sir. But to proceed. 

14. The Town Pump and the Cow ! Such is the glorious 
partnership, that shall finally monopolize the whole business of 
quenching thirst. Blessed consummation ! Then, Poverty shall 
pass away from the land, finding no hovel so wretched, where her 
squalid form may shelter itself. Then, Disease, for lack of other 
victims, shall gnaw his own heart and die. Then, Sin, if she do 
not die, shall lose half her strength. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 93 

15. Then, there will "be no war of households. The husband 
and the wife, drinking deep of peaceful joy, a calm bliss of tem- 
perate affections, shall pass hand in hand through life, and lie 
down, not reluctantly, at its protracted close. To them, the past 
will be no turmoil of mad dreams, nor the future an eternity of 
such moments as follow the delirium of the drunkard. Their dead 
faces shall express what their spirits were, and are to be, by a 
lingering smile of memory and hope. 

16. Drink, then, and be refreshed ! The water is as pure and 
cold as when it slaked the thirst of the red hunter, and flowed 
beneath the aged bough, though now this gem of the wilderness is 
treasured under these hot stones, where no shadow falls, but from 
the brick buildings. But, still is this fountain the source of health, 
peace, and happiness, and I behold with certainty and joy, the 
approach of the period, when the virtues of cold water, too little 
Talued since our father's days, will be fully appreciated and 
recognized by all. Hawthorne. 



Questions. — In what respect, and why may the Town Pump be 
considered as assisting in the various town offices ? Describe the various 
characters who are supposed to approach the pump for a drink, and the 
pump's remarks to them. "What benefits arise from the use of water as a 
drink? "What change has taken place in this respect? 

Parse "pardon," in the 11th paragraph. "Pump" and "cow," in the 
14th. Which are the adverbs in the last sentence? Which are the con- 
junctions? Which are the nouns, and what is the possessive singular of 
each one of them? 



TO TEACHERS. 

The Exercises on Articulation which are placed between the Reading Les- 
sons, will be found of great value, and the pupil should study and practice them 
frequently and thoroughly* In the Second and Third Readers the Exercises are 
systematic and extensive. In this Reader they are designed for review and 
general practice- and are therefore of a more miscellaneous character, bi't include 
all the etaroeats of articuiation. 



94 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



LESSONXXIV. 

Remark. — In reading poetry, that does not rhyme, where the termina- 
tion of one line is very closely connected in sense and construction with 
the commencement of the following line, there should be no pause. 

In the following, there must be a slight pause at the end of the first 
line, and the usual ones at the third and fourth, but none at all at the end 
of the second. 

EXAMPLE. 

Ye who have anxiously and fondly watched 
Beside a fading friend, unconscious that 
The cheek's bright vision, lovely to the view, 
Like nightshade, with unwholesome beauty bloomed. 

Articulate distinctly. — "With-hold, not with-old : hast, not ast : 
hands, not ands: have, not aye: where, not were: whelps, not welps : 



2. As-say', v. to attempt, to try. 

Com-inune'. v. converse, 
6. Up-hold'-en, p. (obsolete for upheld) 

sustained. 



10. Con'fi-donce, n. trust, reliance. 
24. Vis'-ions, n. revelations from God. 
42. Ex'-cel-len-cy, n. valuable quality 



VISION OF A SPIRIT. 

1. Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, 

If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be + grieved'? 

But who can withhold himself from speaking'? 

Behold! thou hast + instructed many, 
5. And thou hast strengthened the weak hands. 

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, 

And thou hast + strengthened the feeble knees. 

But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest : 

It toucheth tliee, and thou art troubled. 
10. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, 

Thy hope, and the ''"uprightness of thy ways'? 

Remember, I pray thee, whoever perished, being innocent ? 

Or where were the righteous* cut off? 

Even as I have seen, they that plow f iniquity, 
15. And sow wickedness', reap the same*. 

By the blast of God they perish*, 

And by the breath of his nostrils are they + consumed*. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 95 

The roaring of a lion', and the voice of the fierce' lion, 
And the teeth of the young' lions are broken. 
20. The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, 

And the stout lion's whelps are + scattered abroad. 

Now a thing was secretly brought to me, 

And mine ear received a little thereof. 

In thoughts from the + visions of the night, 
25. When deep sleep falleth on men, 

Fear came upon me, and trembling, 

Which made all my bones to shake. 

Then a spirit passed before my face ; 

The hair of my flesh stood up : 
30. It stood still, but I could not + discern the form thereof. 

An image was before mine eyes, 

There was silence, and I heard a voice saying, 

Shall mortal man be more just than G-od ? 

Shall a man be more pure than his Maker ? 
35. BeholdM he put no trust in his servants'; 

And his angels' he charged with folly : 

How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, 

Whose "** foundation is the dust, 

Which are crushed before the moth ! 
40. They are destroyed from morning to evening : 

They perish forever without any + regarding it. 

Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? 

They die even without wisdom. Bib^b. 



Questions. — Who was Eliphaz? Did he consider Job, whom he 
addressed, as an innocent or guilty man ? What reason does he give for 
considering him guilty? "Was he correct in his opinion? Does God afflict 
the good in this world ? For what purpose ? 

Why do the questions in the 2d and 3d lines receive different inflections? 
Give the rules for the inflections marked in the lesson. 

Which are the pronouns in the last four lines, and for what does each 
of them stand? Which are the adverbs, and what does each of them 
qualify? Which are the prepositions, and what does each of them govern? 



N, B. The Teacher is requested to bear in mind, that the definitions given t© 
the words at the head of each lesson, are those that belong to them in the connec- 
tion in which they are used in the lesson. 

Jgf» The grammatical exercises are adapted to Pinneo's Analytical Grammar. 
It is recommended that the pupil be frequently examined on the Analysis of Sen- 
tences, as explained in that Grammar, page 113-135. 



96 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XXV. 

Remark. — When any thing very solemn or devotional is to be read, 
there should be a full, solemn tone of voice ; the piece should be read 
slowly, and long pauses should be made at the commas. 

Pronounce correctly. — Softly, not sof'ly (in softly each letter is 
sounded, while in soften the t and e are silent, and it is pronounced 
sof'n): listen, pro. lis'n: chast-en-ing, pro. chas'ning: sor-rows, not 
sowers: Prov-i-dence, not Pro v-i-dunce : pur-sue, not pur-slwo. 



1. Pil'-grims, n. wandering travelers. 

7. Chide, v. to reprove, to blame. 

8. For-lorn', o. forsaken, destitute. 

9. Mis-deeds', n. evil actions. 
Re-morse', n. the pain of. conscience 
proceoding from guilt. 

12. In'-fa-my, n. utter disgrace, [tion. 

13. Chast'-en-ing, a. afflicting for correc- 



18. Or'-i-gin, n. that from which any 
thing proceeds, the cause. 
Sphere, n. the vast expanse in which 
the heavenly bodies appear. The 
phrase heaven's eternal sphere, is 
used figuratively for heaven. 

19. Me'-te-or, n. a fiery body passing 
through the air. 



A REST FOR THE WEARY. 

There is a calm for those who weep, 
A rest for weary pilgrims found, 
They softly lie, and sweetly sleep, 
Low in the ground. 

The storm that wrecks the wint'ry sky 
No more disturbs their deep + repose, 
Than summer evening's latest sigh, 
That shuts the rose. 



3. I long to lay this painful head 
And aching heart beneath the soil, 

To slumber in that + dreamless bed 
From all my toil. 

4. For ^misery stole me at my birth, 
And cast me helpless on the wild : 

I perish; my mother earth, 
Take home thy child. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 97 

5. On thy dear lap these limbs + reclined, 
Shall gently +molder into thee; 

Nor leave one wretched trace behind, 
Resembling me. 

6. Hark! a strange sound + affrights mine ear; 
My pulse, my brain runs wild; I rave; 

Ah ! who art thou whose voice I hear ? 
" I am the Grave ! " 

7. The Grave, that never spake before, 
Hath found, at length, a tongue to chide : 

Oh, listen ! I will speak no more : 
Be silent, Pride. 

8. "Art thou a wretch, of hope forlorn, 
The * victim of consuming care? 

Is thy distracted ^conscience torn 
By fell despair? 

9. "Do foul misdeeds of former times 
"Wring with remorse thy guilty breast ? 

And ghosts of unforgiven crimes 
Murder thy rest ? 

10. "Lash'd by the furies of the mind, 

From wrath and + vengeance would'st thou nee? 
Ah ! think not, hope not, fool, to find 
A friend in me. 

11. "By all the + terrors of the tomb, 
Beyond the power of tongue to tell, 

By the dread secrets of my womb, 
By death and hell, 

12. "I charge thee, live; repent and pray: 
In dust thine infamy + deplore; 

There yet is mercy; go thy way 
And sin no more. 

13. "TVhate'er thy lot, whoe'er thou be, 
Confess thy folly, kiss the rod, 

And in thy chastening sorrows see 
The hand of God. 

14. "A + bruised reed he will not break; 
Afflictions all his children feel, 

He wounds them for his mercy's sakfi 3 

He wounds to heal, 
9 



98 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



15. "Humbled beneath his mighty hand, 
Prostrate his Providence adore : 

'T is done ! arise ! He bids thee stand 
To fall no more. 

16. " Now, traveler in the vale of tears ! 
To + realms of everlasting light, 

Through time's dark wilderness of years, 
Pursue thy flight.' ' 

17. There is a calm for those that weep, 
A rest for weary pilgrims found : 

And while the moldering ashes sleep, 
Low in the ground'; 

18. The soul', of origin divine, 

God's glorious image freed from clay, 
In heaven's + eternal sphere shall shine', 
A star of dayM 

19. The sun is but a spark of fire, 
A + transient meteor in the sky, 

The soul, immortal as its sire, 

Shall never die. Montgomeky. 



Question s. — Who is represented as speaking in verse 8th, and onward? 
What is a "figure of speech?" What is that figure of speech called, 
which represents the grave, or any inanimate object, as speaking? With 
what sentiments should thoughts of death inspire us ? Why is death 
ever desirable? To what will it introduce us? Is it wise to make no 
preparation for death? Should not our eternal welfare be our chief concern 
in this world ? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



99 



LESSON XXYI. 

Remark. — Be careful to articulate such little words as the, of , a, in, 
from, at, by, and, to, with, as, for, very distinctly ; and yet not dwell on 
them so long as on other more important words. 

Articulate distinctly, and Pronounce correctly. — And. 
not an : of, not uf: lifts, not lifs : dif-fi-cult-y, not dif'cult-y : hast, not 
Jiass : beau-ti-ful, not beau-ti-f'l: joy-ful-ly, not joy-fly : va-ri-a-ble, 
not va-r'a-ble : fields, not Jiels : com-plaints, not com-plaince : end, not 
en : dust, not duss. 



1. In'-tri-ca-cy, n. the state of being 
entangled. 

2. Ap-pre-hen'-sion, n. the power of 
thinking and understanding. 

3. Va'-cant-ly, adv. without thinking 
of or noticing. 



5. As'-pen, n. a species of poplar, whose 
leaves are always in motion, [ance. 
9. State'-li-ness, n. majestic appear- 
Domes, n. buildings, houses. 
10. Rev'-el-ry, n. noisy gayety, and fes- 
tivity. 



AN END OF ALL PERFECTION. 

1. I HAVE seen man in the glory of his days, and the pride of 
his strength. He was built like the tall cedar that lifts its head 
above the forest trees*; like the strong oak that strikes its root 
deeply into the earth\ He feared no danger'; he felt no sickness*; 
he wondered that any should groan or sigh at pain'. His mind 
was vigorous, like his body'; he was "^perplexed at no intricacy ; 
he was + daunted at no difficulty '; into hidden things he searched 7 , 
and what was crooked he made straight*. 

2. He went forth fearlessly upon the face of the mighty deep; 
he + surveyed the nations of the earth; he measured the distances 
of the stars, and called them by their names; he gloried in the 
extent of his knowledge, in the vigor of his understanding, and 
strove to search even into what the Almighty had concealed. And 
when I looked on him I said, "What a piece of work is man'! how 
noble in reason'! how infinite in + faculties'! in form and moving 
how express and admirable'! in action how like an angel ! in appre- 
hension how like a G-od!" 

3. I returned; his look was no more lofty, nor his step proud; 
his broken frame was like some ruined tower ; his hairs were white 
and scattered; and his eye gazed vacantly upon what was passing 
around him. The + vigor of his intellect was wasted, and of all 
that he had gained by study, nothing remained. He feared when 
there was no danger, and when there was no sorrow he wept. His 
memory was decaj^ed and treacherous, and showed him only broken 
images of the glory that was departed. 



100 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

4. His house to him was like a strange land, and his friends 
were counted as his enemies; and he thought himself strong and 
healthful, while his foot tottered on the "'"verge of the grave. lie 
said of his son', " He is my brother*;" of his daughter', "I know 
her not'; " and he inquired what was his own name. And one, 
who supported his last steps, and ministered to his many wants, said 
to me, as I looked on the melancholy scene, "Let thine heart 
receive instruction, for thou hast seen an end of all earthly 
perfection." 

5. I have seen a beautiful female treading the first stages of 
youth, and entering joyfully into the pleasures of life. The 
glance of her eye was * variable and sweet, and on her cheek 
trembled something like the first blush of the morning; her lips 
moved, and there was harmony; and when she + floated in the 
dance, her light form, like the aspen, seemed to move with every 
breeze. I returned, but she was not in the dance ; I sought hci 
in the gay circle of her companions, but found her not. 

6. Her eye sparkled not there; the music of her voice was 
silent; she rejoiced on earth no more. I saw a train, sable and 
slow-paced, who bore sadly to an open grave what once was 
animated and beautiful. They paused as they approached, and a 
voice broke the awful silence: " Mingle ashes with ashes, and dust 
with its original dust. To the earth whence it was taken, "''con- 
sign we the body of our sister." They covered her with the damp 
soil and the clods of the valley; and the worms crowded into her 
silent abode. Yet one sad mourner + lingered, to cast himself 
upon the grave; and as he wept, he said, " There is no beauty, or 
grace, or loveliness, that continueth in man ; for this is the end of 
all his glory and perfection." 

7. I have seen an infant with a fair brow, and a frame like pol- 
ished + ivory. Its limbs were pliant in its sports; it rejoiced, and 
again it wept; but whether its glowing cheek dimpled with smiles, 
or its blue eye was brilliant with tears, still I said to my heart, 
" It is beautiful." It was like the first pure blossom, which some 
cherished plant had shot forth, whose cup is filled with a dewdrop, 
and whose head reclines upon its parent stem. 

8. I again saw this child when the lamp of reason first dawned 
in its mind. Its soul was gentle and peaceful; its eye sparkled 
with joy, as it looked round on this good and pleasant world. It 
ran swiftly in the ways of knowledge; it bowed its ear to instruc- 
tion; it stood like a lamb before its teachers. It was not proud, 
nor envious, nor + stubborn; and it had never heard of the vices 
and "''vanities of the world. And when I looked upon it, I re- 
membered that our Savior had said, " Except ye become as little 
children, ye can not enter into the kingdom of heaven." 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 101 

9. But the scene was changed, and I saw a man whom the 
world called honorable, and many waited for his smile. They 
pointed out the fields that were his, and talked of the silver and 
gold that he had gathered; they admired the stateliness of his 
domes, and + extolled the honor of his family. And his heart 
answered secretly, "Byiny wisdom have I gotten all this;" so 
he returned no thanks to God, neither did he fear or serve him. 

10. And as I passed along, I heard the complaints of the 
laborers who had reaped down his fields, and the cries of the poor, 
whose covering he had taken away; but the sound of feasting and 
revelry was in his apartments, and the unfed beggar came tottering 
from his door. But he considered not, that the cries of the * op- 
pressed were continually entering into the ears of the Most High. 
And when I knew that this man was once the + teachable child 
that I had loved, the beautiful infant that I had gazed upon with 
delight, I said in my bitterness, "I have seen an end of ali + per- 
fection;" and I laid my mouth in the dust. Mrs. Sigockxet. 



Question's. — "What changes pass upon the proudest forms, and the 
most undaunted intellects, from the lapse of time ? What takes the place 
of childhood and manhood ? What becomes of beauty, as time flies past 1 
What becomes of the docility and loveliness of childhood ? What doe3 
all this teach us ? Where shall we find unchangeable perfection ? 

Explain the inflections marked, and those of the 6th, 7th, and 8th par- 
agraphs. 



LESSON XXVII. 

Eemae k. — In reading poetry, avoid the sing-song tone, which is 
caused by marking too strongly with the voice, those syllables which 
receive the poetic accent, as in the following lines : 

Sweet t5 the work, my God and King, 

To praise thy name, give thanks and sing. 

Pro x ounce correctly. Heav-en, pro. lieav'n ; beau-te-ous, not 
beau-eJie-ous ; home, not hum. 



3. Pre-des'-tin-ed, p. appointed or deter- 1 Deem, v. to judge, to think, 
mined beforehand. I 4. Con'-flict, n. a struggle, a contest. 



LITE AND DEATH. 

1. fear not thou to die'! 

But rather fear to live x ; for life 
Has thousand + snares thy feet to try, 
By + peril', pain', and + strife*. 



102 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Brief is the work of death!'; 

But lift — the spirit shrinks to see 
i How full, ere heaven recalls the breath, 
The cup of woe may be. 

2. fear not thou to die ! 

No more to suffer or to sin; 
No snares icithout', thy faith to try, 

No + traitor heart within': 
But fear, ! rather fear, 

The gay, the light, the changeful scene, 
The nattering smiles that greet thee here, 

From heaven thy heart to + wean. 

3. Fear, lest, in evil hour, 

Thy pure and holy hope o'ercome, 
By clouds that in the + horizon lower, 

Thy spirit feel that gloom, 
Which, over earth and heaven, 

The covering throws of fell + despair; 
And + deem itself the unforgiven, 

Predestined child of care. 

4. fear not thou to die ! 

To die, and be that blessed one', 
Who', in the bright and beauteous sky, 

May feel his conflict done*; 
May feel, that, never more, 

The tear of grief or shame shall come, 
For thousand + wanderings from the Power 

Who loved, and called him home ! 

2\Tew Monthly Magazixj 



Que stions, — "Why should we not fear to die ? "What are the dangers 
to which we are exposed in life ? What should be the great object of life ? 
To whom must we look for aid in the conflicts of life ? Where is our 
home ? 

Why does the 1st line end with the rising inflection ? (Rule VI.) 
With what is " to die " contrasted ? Give the reasons for the other inflec- 
tions. What examples are there, in the 1st and 2d stanzas, of , relative 
emphasis ? 

Which are the interjections in this lesson ? Parse "to die" in the sec- 
ond line of the last stanza. Parse "who" in the 3d line. Parse "him" 
m the last line. Parse the last word in the lesson. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



103 



LESSON XXVIII. 

Remark. — In reading, be careful not to join the final consonant of one 
word to the vowel of the next word, as in the following lines. 

Lou das his thunder shou tis praise 
And soun dit lofty as his throne. 

Pronounce correctly and Articulate distinctly. — Chil-dren, 
not cliil-ren, nor chil-durn : feath-er-y, not featli-ry : glit-ter-ing, not 
glit'rin: per-fume / , not per'-fume (the verb is pronounced per-fume' ; 
and the noun, per'-fume). 



1, Ra'-di-ant, a. beaming with bright- 
ness. 

2, Date, n. the fruit of a tree which 
grows in warm countries. 
Fva'-grant, a. sweet smelling. [smells. 
Per-fume', v. to fill with pleasant 
JJues, n. colors. 



3. Ru'-by, n. a precious stone of a red 
color. 

Dia'-mond, n. a precious stone of the 
most valuable kind. 
Cor'-al, n. a kiud of sea animal (hero 
used as an adjective). 
Strand, n. a shore or beach of the sea. 



THE BETTER LAND. 

1. "I hear thee speak of the better land; 

Thou call'st its children a happy band; 
Mother'! oh, where is* that radiant shore? 
Shall we not seek it, and weep no more'? 
Is it where the flower of the orange + blows, 
And the fireflies dance through the myrtle boughs ? " 
" Not there, not there, my child ! " 

2. "Is it where the + feathery palm trees rise', 

And the date grows ripe under sunny skies'? 
Or 'mid the green islands of + glittering seas', 
Where fragrant forests perfume the breeze', 
And strange bright birds, on their starry wings, 
Bear the rich hues of all + glorious things'?" 
"Not there, not there, my child!" 

3. "Is it far away, in some + region old, 

Where the rivers + wander o'er sands of gold, 
Where the burning rays of the ruby shine, 
And the diamond lights up the + secret mine, 
And the pearl + gleams forth from the coral strand'? 
Is it there, sweet mother, that better land'?" 
"Not there, not there, my child! 



104 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



" Eye hath not seen* it, my gentle boy ! 
Ear hath not heard* its deep sounds of joy; 
Dreams can not + picture* a world so fair ; 
Sorrow and death may not enter there *; 
Time doth not breathe on its * fadeless bloom, 
Beyond the clouds, and beyond the tomb; 

It is there*, it is there', my child*!" 

Mks. Hemans. 



Questions. — What climate produces the myrtle, palm, and date? 
Why is the palm tree called feathery? Where is that " better land," 
spoken of in the lesson? What inflection should be used at the -word 
" child," in the last line of the 1st stanza ? (Rule IV.) What inflection 
at the same word when repeated in the other three stanzas? (Exception 
to Rule IV.) Give rules for the other inflections. 



AKTICULATION. 

"Wafted, aeknowledgedst, list'nest, wrongest. 

Thou waJVst the flying ships. Thou acknowledgest thy crimes. Thou 
lis f nest to my tale. It exists somewhere. Thou knewest that I was a 
hard man. Thou wrongest wrongfully. 



LESSON XXIX. 

Articulate clearly all the consonants in words like the following 
in this lesson : extract, preserved, darkness, grieved, troubled, integrity, 
stranger, furrows, traveler. 



Pa'-tri-arch, n. the father and ruler 
of a family. Among the Jews, distin- 
guished men were called by this name. 
1. Com-po-si'-tion, n. a written work. 



4. In-teg'-ri-ty, n. uprightness. 

6. This'-tle.. n. (pro. this'le) a kind of 

prickly plant. 

Cock'-le, n. a worthless plant or weed. 



PORTRAIT OF A PATRIARCH. 

1. I can not forbear making an extract of several passages, 
which I have always read with great delight, in the book of Job. 
It is the account, which that holy man gives, of his behavior in 
the days of his + prosperity, and, if considered only as a human 
composition, is a finer picture of a + charitable and good-natured 
man than is to be met with in any other author. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 105 

2. " Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God 
preserved me j when his candle shined upon my head, and when, 
by his light, I walked through darkness; when the + Almighty 
was yet with me ; when my children were about me ; when X 
washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured out rivers of oil. 

3. ""WTien the ear heard me, then it blessed me ; and when the 
eye saw me, it gave witness to me; because I delivered the poor 
that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. 
The blessing of him that was ready to + perish came upon me; and 
I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I was eyes to the blind, 
and feet was I to the lame ; I was a father to the poor ; and the 
cause which I knew not I + searched out. 

4. " Did not I weep for him that was in trouble ? "Was not my 
soul grieved for the poor ? Let me be weighed in an even balance 
that God may know mine integrity. If I did despise the cause 
of my man servant or of my maid servant, when they + contended 
with me, what then shall I do when God riseth up ? and when he 
visiteth, what shall I answer him? Did not he that made me make 
him also ? 

5. "If I have withheld the poor from their desire', or have 
caused the eyes of the widow to fail', or have eaten my + morsel 
myself alone', and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof ; if I have 
seen any perish for want of clothing', or any poor without cover- 
ing'; if his loins have not blessed me', and if he were not warmed 
with the f fleece of my sheep'; if I have lifted up my hand against 
the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate'; then let mine arm 
fall from my shoulderblacle', and mine arm be broken from the bone\ 

6. "I rejoiced not at the + destruction' of him that hated me, 
nor lifted up myself when evil found him x ; neither have I + suffered 
my mouth to sin', by wishing a curse to his soul'. The + stranger 
did not lodge in the street ; but I opened my doors to the **" trav- 
eled. If my land cry against me', and the + furrows thereof + com- 
plain'; if I have eaten the fruits thereof without money', or have 
caused the owners thereof to lose their life'; let thistles grow 
instead of wheat, and cockle' instead of barley'." 

Addison. 

Questions. — "What character is here described ? What is a Patri- 
arch *? Considered merely as a human composition, how does the descrip- 
tion given by Job compare with all others ? How does Job describe him- 
self to have been situated in " months past ? " What is meant by his 
steps being washed with butter ? How did he treat those in trouble ? 
How did he treat the widow, the stranger, and his enemies 'i 

Explain the inflections of this lesson. 



106 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



ARTICULATION. 

Slack'n'd, think'st, throbb'st, prob'st, thwack'st. 

They slack'n'd the cable. Thy pulse throbb'st wildly. Thou prob'st 
the wound painfully. He struggled to escape. Thou think'st and 
thwack'st, and thwack 'st and think'st. 



LESSON XXX. 

Pronounce correctly. — Reg-gi-o, pro. red-je-o: fount-ains, pro. 
fount-ins : stat-ues, not sla-choos : sits, not sets : for-ward, not for<id : 
in-no-cent, not in-ner-sunt : haunt (pro. haunt), not haunt: (see McGuf- 
fey's Eclectic Spelling Book for the figures denoting the pronunciation): 
mel-o-dy, not mel-er-dy : an-cient, not an-cient: i-vo-ry, not vwr-vy: 
fast-cn-ed, pro. fas'n'd. 



1. Ter'-race, n. a raised bank of earth. 

3. Broid'-er-ed, p. adorned with figures 
of needle work. 

Em'-e-rald, n. a gem of a pure lively 
green color (used here as an adjec- 
tive). 

Al'-a-bas-ter, n. a soft, white marble. 
Cor'-o-net, n, a little crown. 

5. Meir'-loom, n. any article which by 



law descends to the heir with the 

real estate. 

Du'-cal, a, pertaining to a duke. 

7. De-co'-rum, n. propriety of behavior. 
Lus'-ter, n. brightness. 

8. Pan'-ic, n. sudden alarm. 

10. Quest, n. search. 

11. Leg'-a-cy, n. what is left by will. 

12. Am'-bush, n. a concealed place. 



GINEVRA. 

1. If ever you should come to Modena, 
Stop at a palace near the Reggio gate, 
Dwelt in of old by one of the Donati. 
Its noble gardens', terrace above terrace, 
And rich in + fountains, + statues, + cypresses', 
Will long detain* you ; but, before you go', 
Enter the house' — forget it not, I pray v you- 
And look awhile upon a picture' there. 

2. 'T is of a lady in ner earliest youth, 
The last of that + illustrious family ; 

Done by Zampieri J but by whom I care not. 
He, who observes it, ere he passes on, 
Gazes his fill, and comes and comes again. 
That he may call it up when far away. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 107 

3. She sits, inclining forward as to speak, 
Her lips half open, and her finger up, 

As though she said', "Beware 1 !" her vest of gold' 
Broidered with flowers, and clasped from head to foot 1 , 
An emerald stone' in every golden clasp'; 
And on her brow', fairer than alabaster', 
A coronet of pearls\ 

4. But then her face, 

So lovely', yet so arch', so full of mirth, 

The overflowings of an innocent heart; 

It + haunts me still, though many a year has fled, 

Like some wild + melody ! 

5. Alone it hangs 

Over a + moldering heirloom; its companion, 
An oaken chest, half eaten by the worm, 
But richly carved by Antony of Trent, 
With scripture stories from the life of Christ; 
A chest that came from Venice, and had held 
The ducal robes of some old + ancestors — 
That by the way, it may be true' or false' — ■ 
But do n't forget the picture ; and you will not, 
When you have heard the tale they told me there. 

6. She was an only child', her name Ginevra', 
The joy, the pride of an indulgent father; 
And in her fifteenth year became a bride, 
Marrying an only son, Francesco Doria, 

Her playmate from her birth, and her first love. 

7. Just as she looks there, in her + bridal dress,. 
She was all gentleness, all gayety, 

Her pranks the favorite theme of every tongue. 
But now the day was come*, the day', the hour'; 
Now, frowning, smiling for the hundredth' time, 
The nurse', that ancient lady', preached decorum'; 
And, in the luster of her youth', she gave 
Her hand', with her heart' in it, to Francesco . 

8. Great was the joy'; but at the + nuptial feast, 
When all sat down, the bride herself was wanting; 
Nor was she to be found ! Her father cried, 

" 'T is but to make a trial of our love ! " 

And filled his glass to all; but his hand shook, 

And soon from guest to guest the * panic spread. 



4 OS MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

9. 'Twas but that instant she had left Francesco, 
Laughing and looking back and flying still, 
Her ivory tooth + imprinted on his finger. 
But now', alas*! she was not to be found ; 
Nor from that hour could any thing be guessed, 
But that she was not ! 

10. Weary of his life', 
Francesco flew to Venice*, and + embarking', 
Flung it away in battle with the Turk. 
Donati lived*; and long might you have seen 
An old man wandering as in quest of something, 
Something he could not find, he knew not what. 
When he was gone, the house remained awhile 
Silent and tenantless; then went to strangers. 

11. Full fifty years were past, and all forgotten, 
When on an idle day, a day of search 

'Mid the old + lumber, in the gallery, 

That moldering chest was noticed; and 'twas said 

By one as young, as thoughtless as Grinevra', 

"Why not remove* it from its lurking place?" 

'Twas done as soon as said; but on the way 

It burst*, it fell*; and lo! a + skeleton* , 

With here and there a pearl, an emerald stone, 

A golden clasp, clasping a shred of gold. 

All else had perished, save a wedding ring, 

And a small seal, her mother's legacy, 

+ Engraven with a name, the name of both; 

" Ginevra." 

12. — There then had she found a grave : 
Within that chest had she + concealed herself, 
Fluttering with joy, the happiest of the happy; 
When a + springlock, that lay in ambush there, 
Fastened her down for ever ! Rogees. 



Question s. — Where is Modena ? "Who -was the painter of the pic- 
ture? Describe the attitude and dress. Over what does the picture hang? 
Relate the story which gives interest to the chest and picture. 

Give the rules for the inflections marked in this lesson. 

Which are the verbs in the 7th paragraph? The adjectives? The nouns? 
"Which of the nouns are in the objective case ? Which in the nominative ? 
Parse " skeleton/' in the 11th paragraph. See Pinneo's Analytical Gram- 
mar Rule V. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



109 



LESSON XXXI. 

Remaek. — The last words of every sentence should be read in such 
manner as the sense requires, especially avoiding a sudden fall of the 
voice. 

Articulate distinctly. — Ab-sa-lom, not Ab-s y V m : cap-tains, 
not cap' ns: hund-reds, not liun-durds: saw-est, not saw' 'ss: thrust, not 
thruss. 



2. Suc'-cor, v. help, assist. 
6. Shek'-el, n. a Jewish coin, worth 
from 50 to 60 cents. 



"T. Com'-pass-ed, v. surrounded. 

8. Dale, n. a low place between hills. 



DEATH OF ABSALOM. 

1. And David numbered the people that were with him, and 
set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand 
of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of 
Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai 
the Gittite. 

2. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth 
with you myself also. But the people answered, Thou shalt not 
go forth : for if we flee away, they will not care for us ; neither if 
half of us die, will they care for us ; but now thou art worth ten 
thousand of us ', therefore now it is better that thou succor us out 
of the city. And the king said unto them, What seemeth you 
best, I will do. 

3. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came 
out by hundreds and by thousands. And the king commanded 
Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with 
the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard 
when the king gave all the captains charge + concerning Absalom. 

4. So the people went out into the field against Israel ; and the 
battle was in the wood of + Ephraim ; where the people of Israel 
were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a 
great + slaughter that day of twenty thousand men. For the 
battle was there scattered over the face of all the country : and 
the wood devoured more people that clay than the sword devoured. 

5. And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom 
rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a 
great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken 



110 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was 
under him, went away. 

6. And a, certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, 
I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. And Joab said unto the man 
that told him, And behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou 
not smite him there to the ground ? and I would have given thee 
ten shekels of silver and a + girdle. And the man said unto Joab, 
Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, 
yet would I not put forth my band against the king's son : for, in 
our hearing, the king charged thee, and Abishai, and Ittai, saying, 
Beware that none touch the young man Absalom. Otherwise, I 
should have + wrought falsehood against mine own life : for there 
is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldst have set 
thyself against me. 

7. Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he 
took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart 
of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And 
ten young men that bare Joab's armor, compassed about and smote 
Absalom, and slew him. And Joab blew the trumpet, and the 
people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back 
the people. 

8. And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the 
wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him ; and all 
Israel fled, every one to his tent. Now Absalom, in his lifetime, 
had taken and + reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the 
king's dale; for he said, I have no son to keep my name in 
"•"reinemb ranee; and he called the pillar after his own name ; and 
it is call 3d unto this day, Absalom's Place. 

9. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and 
bear the king + tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of 
his f enemies. And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear 
tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day : but this 
day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead. 
Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. 
And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran. 

10. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, 
But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And 
Joab said, AVherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast 
no + tidings ready? But howsoever, said he, let me run. And 
he said unto him, run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the 
plain, and overrun Cushi. 

11. And David sat between the two gates : and the watchman 
went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his 
eyes, and looked, and behold, a man running alone. And the 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. Ill 

:hman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be 
alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and 
irew near. 

12. And the watchman saw another man running, and the 
watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold, another man 
running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings. 
Ani the watchman said, + 3Iethinketh the running of the fore- 
most is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the 
king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings. S 

13. And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king. All is well. 
And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and 

Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the 
men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king. And the 
king sail. Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz 
answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, 
I s:.w a great 1 "tanralt, but I knew not what it was. And the 
king said unto him, Turn aside and stand here. And he turned 
aside, and stood still. 

14. And behold, Cushi came ; and Cushi said, Tidings my lord 
the king; for the Lord hath f avenged thee this day of all them 
that rose up against thee. And the king said unto Cushi, Is the 
young man Absalom safe ? And Cushi answered, The enemies of 
my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be 
as that young man is. 

15. And the king was much moved', and went up to the cham- 
ber over the gate, and wept v ; and as he went', thus he said*, 
my son Absalom'! my son/ my son Absalom'! would to G-od I 

lied foi thee', Absalom', my son, my son'! Bible. 



Questions . — What three officers did David appoint over the host ? 
f did not David himself go forth to the battle ? What charge did 
D^vid give to the three officers respecting Absalom ? "What "was the re- 
sult of the battle ? What "was the fate of Absalom ? What motives 
probably influenced Joab to such a course of cruelty ? What was the 
effect of the ne-ws of Absalom's death upon king David ? 

Explain the inflections in the last two lines. (Persons addressed and 
emphatic rep* dtion. Roles IV and II, 4§.) 



112 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XXXII. 

Remark. — In reading, be careful not to join the final consonant of one 
word to the vowel of the next word, something in the following way, viz : 

The j gathered roun dim on the fresh green bank, 
And spoke their kindly words ; an das the sun 
Rose upineaven, &c. 

Be careful to avoid this fault, by articulating distinctly such words in the 
above, as "round him," "and as," and "up in heaven," and the following 
and similar words in the lesson, viz : bared his, not bare dis : bow'd his, 
not bow dis : words of, not wor dsof : and his voice went up, not an dis voi 
swcn tup : garb of, not gar bof. 



15. Court'-e-sy, n. (pro. hurt'-e-sy) civ- 
ilty, politeness. 

21. Trem'-u-lous, a. trembling. [tion. 

22, Es-trang'-ed, a. alienated in afiec- 
26. Con-troll'-ed, p. restrained. 

33- Sym'-me-try, »- a due proportion of 
the several parts of a body to each 
other, beauty of form. 



35. Sway'-ed, t;. leaned, moved back and 
forth. 

40. Trail'-ing,n. dragging on the ground. 

41. Re-vers'-ed, p. turned side for side, 
or end for end. 

Sack'-cloth, n, a coarse cloth worn 
by mourners. 
Mant'-ling, a. covering with crimson. 



55 



ABSALOM. 

1. King David's limbs were weary. He had fled 
From far Jerusalem ; and now he stood, 
With his faint people, for a little rest 
Upon the shore of Jordan. The light wind 
5. Of morn was stirring, and he bared his brow 
To its refreshing breath ; for he had worn 
The + mourner's covering, and he had not felt 
That he could see his people until now. 
They gathered round him on the fresh green bank 

10. And spoke their kindly words ; and, as the sun 
Rose up in heaven, he knelt among them there, 
And bowed his head upon his hands to pray. 
Oh ! when the heart is full, when bitter thoughts 
Come crowding thickly up for + utterance, 

15. And the poor common words of courtesy 
Are such a very + mockery', how much 
The bursting heart may pour itself in prayer"! 
He prayed for Israel'; and his voice went up' 
Strongly and fervently'. He prayed for those 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 113 

20. Whose love had been his shield'; and his deep tones 

Grew tremulous*. But, oh ! for Absalom, 

For his estranged, + misguided Absalom, 

The proud, bright being, who had burst away, 

In all his princely beauty, to defy 
25. The heart that cherished him, for him he poured, 

In agony that would not be controlled, 

Strong supplication, an I forgave him there, 

Before his God, for his deep sinfulness. 



30. The pall was settled. He who slept beneath 

Was straightened for the grave ; and, as the folds 
Sunk to the still proportions, they betrayed 
The "*" matchless symmetry of Absalom. 
His hair was yet unshorn, and silken curls 

35. Were floating round the t tassals as they swayed 
To the admitted air, as glossy now, 
As when, in hours of gentle dalliance, bathing 
The snowy fingers of Judea's girls. 
His helm was at his feet : his banner', soiled 

40. With trailing through Jerusalem', was laid, 
lie versed', beside' him : and the jeweled hilt', 
Whose + diamonds lit the passage of his blade', 
Rested, like mockery', on his covered brow\ 
The soldiers of the king trod to and fro, 

45. Clad in the garb of battle ; and their chief, 
The mighty Joab, stood beside the bier, 
And gazed upon the dark pall + steadfastly, 
As if he feared the slumberer might stir. 
A slow step startled him. He grasped his blade 

50. As if a trumpet rang ; but the bent form 
Of David entered, and he gave command, 
In a low tone, to his few followers, 
Who left him with his dead. The king stood still 
Till the last "*" echo died : then, throwing off 

55. The sackcloth from his brow, and laying back 
The +pall from the still features of his child, 
He bowed his head upon him, and broke forth 
In the resistless eloquence of woe : 



" Alas ! my noble boy, that thou shouldst die 1 

Thou, who wert made so beautifully fair ! 
That death should settle in thy glorious eye, 

And leave his stillness in this "** clustering hair I 
How could he mark thee for the silent tomb, 
My proud bov, Absalom ! 
10 



114 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH 



2. " Cold is thy brow, my son, and I am chill, 

As to my bosom I have tried to press thee. 
How was I wont to feel my pulses thrill, 

Like a rich harpstring, + yearning to caress thee, 
And hear thy sweet " my father " from these dumb 
And cold lips, Absalom ! 

3. u The grave hath won thee. I shall hear the gush 

Of music, and the voices of the young : 
And life will pass me in the mantling blush, 

And the dark + tresses to the soft winds flung, 
But thou no more, with thy sweet voice, shalt come 
To meet me, Absalom ! 

4. " And, oh ! when I am stricken, and my heart, 

Like a bruised reed, is waiting to be broken, 
How will its love for thee, as I depart, 

+ Yearn for thine ear to drink its last deep token ! 
It were so sweet, amid death's gathering gloom, 
To see thee, Absalom ! 

5. " And now, farewell ! ; T is hard to give thee up, 

With death, so like a gentle + slumber, on thee : 
And thy dark sin ! Oh ! I could drink the cup, 

If from this woe its + bitterness had won thee. 
May God have called thee, like a + wanderer, home. 
My erring Absalom ! " 

He covered up his face, and bowed himself 
A moment on his child : then, giving him 
A look of melting tenderness, he clasped 
His hand * convulsively, as if in prayer, 
And, as a strength were given him of Grod, 
He rose up calmly, and + composed the pall 
Firmly and decently, and left him there, 
As if his rest had been a breathing sleep. 

Willis. 



Questions. — What had Absalom done to wring the heart of his 
father ? What was the manner of his death ? Specify some of the poetic 
beauties of this piece. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



115 



LESSON XXXIII. 

Remark. — Let every pupil notice, -as each one reads, when the final 
consonant of any word is joined to the vowel of the next word. 

Articulate distinctly. — Whole of, not ioJio lof: and indeed, not 
an d indeed : eminent orators, not eminen toraiors : talents in, not talen 
tsin : celebrated in peace and war, not celebraty din pea san dwar. 



Ad-vent'-ur-ers, n. those -who attempt 
difficult enterprises, 
Suru'-nia-ry, a. short, brief. 



3. Sig'-nal-i-zed, v. made remarkable. 
De-tach'-ment, n. a party sent off 
from the main body. 



SPEECH OF LOGAN, CHIEF OF THE MINGOES. 

1. I may + challenge the whole of the orations of Demosthenes 
and Cicero, and, indeed, of any more eminent orators, if Europe, 
or the world, has furnished more eminent, to produce a single 
passage superior to the speech of Logan, a Mingo chief, delivered 
to Lord Dunmore, when governor of Virginia. As a + testimony 
of Indian talents in this line, I beg leave to introduce it, by first 
stating the + incidents necessary for understanding it. 

2. In the spring of the year 1774, a robbery was committed, by 
some Indians, upon certain land adventurers on the Ohio river. 
The whites in that quarter, according to their custom, undertook to 
punish this + outrage in a summary way. Captain Michael Cresap, 
and one Daniel G-reathouse, leading on these parties, surprised, at 
different times, traveling and hunting parties of the Indians, who 
had their women and children with them, and murdered many. 
Among these, were + unfortunately the family of Logan, a chief 
celebrated in peace and war, and long + distinguished as the friend 
of the whites. 

3. This unworthy return provoked his vengeance. He accord- 
ingly signalized himself in the war which ensued. In the autumn 
of the same year a + decisive battle was fought at the mouth of 
the Great Kanhawa, between the collected forces of the Shawnees, 
the Mingoes, and the Dela wares, and a + detachment of the Vir- 
ginia militia. The Indians were defeated, and sued for peace. 



116 M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Logan, however, + disdained to be seen among the + suppliants: 
but, lest the + sincerity of a treaty, from which so distinguished a 
chief absented himself, should be distrusted, he sent, by a mes- 
senger, the following speech to be delivered to Lord Dunmore. 

4. "I appeal to any white man to say, if ever he entered Lo- 
gan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat ; if ever he came 
cold and naked, and he clothed him not. During the course of 
the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle in his cabin, an 
+ advocate for peace. Such was my love for the whites, that my 
countrymen pointed as they passed, and said ' Logan is the friend 
of the white men.' I had even thought to live with you, but for 
the injuries of one man. Colonel Cresap, last spring, in cold 
blood, and + unprovoked, murdered all the + relatives of Logan, 
not sparing even my women and children. There runs not a drop 
of my blood in the veins of any living creature. This called on 
me for revenge. I have sought it. I have killed many. I have 
fully + glutted my + vengeance. For my country, I rejoice at the 
beams of peace: but do not + harbor a thought that mine is the 
joy of fear. Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel 
to save his life. Who is there to mourn for Logan ? Not one." 

Jeffeeson. 



Questions. — "Who was Demosthenes? Cicero? When was Dun- 
more Governor of Virginia? Who uudertook to punish the Indians? 
Whose family were killed ? Where was a decisive battle fought ? Where 
does the Kanhawa rise ? Why did not Logan appear among the sup- 
pliants ? 

In the sentence, 'Logan never felt fear,' which is the subject? "Which 
the attribute ? See Pinueo's Analytical Grammar. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



117 



ARTICULATION. 

Battl'd, scuttl'd, settl'd, drizzling, crispy, frizzl'd. 

They battl'd manfully. The ship being scuttVd, settl'd in deep 
water. A drizzling rain fell. The bear has crispy, frizzl'd hair. 
They were puzzl'd and dazzl'd by the glitter. 



LESSON XXXIV. 

Pro n ounce correctly. — Sav-a-ges, not sav-ij-is: ket-tle, not kit-tie: 
i-de-a, not idee: reg-i-ment, not reg-i-munt: musk-ets, not musk-its: 
con / -tra-ry, not con-tra'-ry: sub-jects, not sub-jics: weap-on, not 
wecqfn.* 



Can'-ni-bals, n. men who eat human flesh. 
Ag-gres'-sors, n. the first invaders. 
Ven'-i-son, n. (pro. ven'-e-z'n or vcn'-z'n) 
the flesh of deer. 



Col'-o-ny, n. a company of persons re- 
moving to a new country, but remain- 
ing subject to the parent country. 



CHARLES II AND WILLIAM PENN. 

King Charles. Well 1 , friend William'! I have sold you a 
noble province in North America; but -still, I suppose you have 
uo thoughts of going thither yourself. 

Penn. Yes, I have, I + assure thee, friend Charles; and I am 
just come to bid thee farewell. 

K. C. What'! venture yourself among the * savages of North 
America'! Why*, man', what + security have you that you will 
not be in their war kettle in two hours after setting foot on their 
shores ? 

P. The best security in the world. 

* In a number of words ending in en, the e is silent; as, haven, heaven, seven, 
eleven, even, frozen, happen, &c„ which are pronounced hav'n. hev'n, sev'n, elev'n, 
ev'n, fro-z'n, hap-p'n, &c. When t precedes the e, this also is sometimes silent; 
as in the words, glisten, listen, hasten, fasten, chasten, often, &c, which are pro- 
nounced glis'n, lis'n, hav'n, fas'n, chas'n, of'n, &c. In another class of words 
ending in en, the e should be distinctly sounded; as in sudden, hyphen, sloven, 
kitchen, <fcc. (See McGufley's Eclectic Spelling Book, page 49, Lessons 59, 
*ad 60.) 



118 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH 



K. C. I doubt that, friend William; I have no idea of any 
security, against those cannibals, but in a + regiment cf good 
soldiers, with their muskets and '♦'bayonets. And mind x , I tell 
you beforehand', that, -with all my good will for you and your 
family, to whom I am under + obligations, I will not send a single 
soldier with you. 

P. I want none of thy soldiers, Charles : I depend on some- 
thing better than thy soldiers. 

K. C. Ah'! what may that' be ? 

P. Why, I depend upon themselves*; on the working of their 
oion hearts'; on their notions of justice*; on their moral sense. 

K. C. A fine thing, this same moral sense, no doubt; but I fear 
you will not find much of it among the Indians of North America. 

P. And why not among them, as well as others? 

K. C. Because if they had possessed any, they would not have 
treated my "^subjects so + barbarously as they have done. 

P. That is no * proof of the contrary', friend Charles. Thy 
subjects were the aggressors. When thy subjects first went to 
North America, they found these poor people the fondest and 
kindest creatures in the world. Every day, they would watch for 
them to come ashore, and hasten to meet them, and feast them on 
the best fish, and venison, and corn, which were all they had. In 
return for this hospitality of the savages, as we call them, thy sub- 
jects, termed Christians, seized on their country and rich hunting 
grounds, for farms for themselves. Now, is it to be wondered at, 
that these much injured people should have been driven to "♦"des- 
peration by such injustice; and that, burning with + revenge, they 
should have committed some * excesses? 

K. C. Well, then, I hope you will not complain when they come 
to treat you in the same manner. 
P. I am not afraid of it. 

K. C. Ah ! how will you avoid it ? You mean to get theif 
hunting grounds too, I suppose ? 

P. Yes x , but not by driving these poor people away from them. 

K. C. No, indeed'? How then will you get their lands'? 

P. I mean to buy their lands of them. 

K. C. Buy their lands of them'? Why, man, you have already 
bought them of me. 

P. Yes, I know I have, and at a dear rate, too : but I did i fc 
only to get thy good will, not that I thought thou hadst any right 
to their lands. 

K. 0. How\ man'? no right to their lands ? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 119 

P. No, friend Charles, no right, no right at all : what right hast 
thou to their lands ? 

K. C Why*, the right of +discovery\ to be sure; the right 
which the pope and all Christian kings have agreed to give one 
another. 

P. The right of discover?/? & strange kind of right, indeed. 
Now, suppose, friend Charles, that some canoe load of these 
Indians, crossing the sea, and discovering this island of Great 
Britain, were to claim it as their own, and set it up for sale over 
thy head, what wouldst thou think of it ? 

K. C Why — why — why — I must confess, I should think it a 
piece of great + impudence" in them. 

P. Well, then, how canst thou, a Christian, and a Christian 
prince too, do that which thou so utterly condemnest in these 
people, whom thou callest savages? Yes, friend Charles; and 
suppose, again, that these Indians, on thy refusal to give up thy 
island of Great Britain, were to make war on thee, and, having 
weapons more + destructive than thine, were to destroy many of 
thy subjects, and drive the rest away, — wouldst thou not think 
it horribly cruel ? 

K. C. I must say, friend William, that I should ; how can I 
say otherwise ? 

P. Well, then, how can I, who call myself a Christian, do what 
I should + abhor even in the heathen? No. I will not do it. 
But I will buy the right of the proper owners, even of the Indians 
themselves. By doing this, I shall + imitate God himself, in his 
+ justice and mercy, and thereby insure his blessing in my colony, 
if I should ever live to plant one in North America. 

Friend of Peace. 



Questions. — What part of the United States was purchased arid 
settled by William Perm ? Of whom did he purchase it? Upon what was 
the king's right founded ? In whom was vested the real right ? Why ? 
State the reasoning, by which Perm convinced the king that America did 
not belong to him. What plan did Penn propose to adopt, to secure the 
good will of the Indians ? Was he successful ? 

What instances of interrogative exclamation do you find in this lesson ? 
What examples of relative emphasis ? 

In the last sentence, which are the personal pronouns of the first person? 
Which of the third person? Which are the verbs? Which of them is a 
participle? Which are in the future tense, indicative mode? Which, part 
of it is the complex sentence ? Which, the simple ? See Pinneo'3 
Analytical Grammar. 



120 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



ARTICULATION. 

Clinch'd, fists, makes, smoothed' st, struggl'd. 

lie clinched his fists. He Y\fts his awful form. He makes his pay- 
ments. Thou smoothed'st his rugged path. The preside^'* speech. 
He struggl'd strangely. 



LESSON XXXV. 

Pkonounce correctly. — Whole, not hull: dis-so-lu-tion, not dis-sy- 
lu-lioa: at-tack, not at-iact : la-ment, not lum-ent: mod-er-ate, not 
mod-er-it: cli-mates, not cli-niits: rav-a-ges, not rav-ij-is : hea-ven, pro. 
heav'n. 



1. Dis-so-lu'-tion, n. death, separation 
of the soul and body, [to the reality. 

5. In-ad'-e-quate, a. partial, not equal 
Rav'-a-ges, »/. destruction, ruia. 

7. Ex-trem'-i-ties, n. utmost distress : 
last extremities here means death. 

8. Pro-lon-ga'-tion, n. the act of length- 
ening. 



10. 



12, 



Ve'-hi-cles, n. carriages of any kind. 
Re-cep'-ta-cles, n. places in which 
to receive any thing. 
As-si-du'-i-ties, n. services rendered 
with zeal and kindness. 
Con-ta'-gion, n. pestilence, sickness 
spreading from the touch. 
De-ci'-pher-ed, p. explained. 



HORRORS OF WAR. 

1. Though the whole race of man is doomed to dissolution, and 
we are hastening to our long home ; yet, at each successive moment, 
life and death seem to divide between them the dominion of man- 
kind, and life to have the larger share. It is otherwise in war; 
death reigns there without a rival, and without + control. 

2. War is the work, the element, or rather the sport and 
triumph of death, who here glories not only in the extent of his 
conquests, but in the richness of his spoil. In the other methods 
of attack, in the other forms which death assumes, the feeble and 
the aged, who at best can live but a short time, are usually the 
victims ; here they are the + vigorous and the strong. 

8. It is remarked by the most ancient of poets, that in peace, 
children bury their parents'; in war, parents bury their children*; 
nor is the difference small. Children lament their parents, sin- 
cerely, indeed, but with that moderate and tranquil sorrow', which 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 121 

it is natural for those to feel who are conscious of retaining many 
tender ties, many animating prospects. 

4. Parents mourn for their children with the bitterness of 
despair ; the aged parent, the widowed mother, loses, when she is 
deprived of her children, every thing but the capacity of suffering ; 
her heart, withered and + desolate, admits no other object, cherishes 
no other hope. It is Eachel, weeping for her children, and refusing 
to be comforted, because they are not. 

5. But, to confine our attention to the number of the slain, 
would give us a very inadequate idea of the ravages of the sword. 
The lot of those who perish + instantaneously may be considered, 
apart from religious prospects, as comparatively happy, since they 
are exempt from those lingering diseases and slow torments to 
which others are so liable. 

6. We can not see an individual expire, though a stranger, or 
an enemy, without being sensibly moved and prompted by compas- 
sion to lend him. every assistance in our power. Every trace of 
+ resentment vanishes in a moment ; every other emotion gives way 
to pity and terror. 

7. In the last extremities, we remember nothing but the respect 
and tenderness due to our common nature. What a scene, then, 
must a field of battle present, where thousands are left without 
assistance, and without pity, with their wounds exposed to the 
+ piercing air, while the blood, freezing as it flows, binds them to 
the earth, amid the trampling of horses, and the insults of an 
+ enraged foe ! 

8. If they are spared by the humanity of the enemy, and 
carried from the field, it is but a prolongation of + torment. Con- 
veyed in uneasy vehicles, often to a remote distance, through roads 
almost impassable, they are lodged in ill-prepared receptacles for 
the wounded and sick, where the + variety of distress baffles all the 
efforts of humanity and skill, and renders it impossible to give to 
each the attention he demands. 

9. Far from their native home, no tender assiduities of friend- 
ship, no well-known voice, no wife, or mother, or sister, are near to 
soothe their sorrows, relieve their thirst, or close their eyes in 
death ! Unhappy man ! and must you be swept into the grave 
+ unnoticed and unnumbered, and no friendly tear be shed for your 
sufferings, or mingled with your dust ? 

10. We must remember, however, that as a very small propor- 
tion of military life is spent in actual + combat, so it is a very 
small part of its miseries which must be ascribed to this source. 
More are consumed by the rust of inactivity than by the edge of 
the sword ; confined to a scanty or unwholesome diet, exposed in 

11 



122 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

sickly climates, harassed with tiresome marches and * perpetual 
alarms ; their life is a continual scene of hardships and dangers. 
They grow familiar with hunger, cold, and watchfulness. Crowded 
into hospitals and prisons, contagion spreads among their ranks, till 
the ravages of disease exceed those of the enemy. 

11. We have hitherto only + adverted to the sufferings of those 
who are engaged in the profession of arms, without taking into 
our account the situation of the countries which are the scenes of 
hostilities. How dreadful to hold every thing at the mercy of an 
enemy, and to receive life itself as a boon dependent on the sword ! 

12. How boundless the fears which such a situation must in- 
spire, where the issues of life and death are determined by no 
known laws, principles, or customs, and no + conjecture can be 
formed of our destiny, except so far as it is dimly deciphered in 
characters of blood, in the dictates of revenge, and the caprices of 
power ! 

- 13. Conceive but for a moment the consternation which the 
approach of an invading army would impress on the peaceful vil- 
lages in our own neighborhood. When you have placed yourselves 
for an instant in that situation, you will learn to + sympathize 
with those unhappy countries which have sustained the ravages of 
arms. But how is it possible to give you an idea of these horrors ! 

14. Here, you behold rich harvests, the bounty of heaven, and 
the reward of industry, consumed in a moment, or trampled under 
foot, while famine and pestilence follow the steps of desolation. 
There, the cottages of peasants given up to the flames, mothers 
expiring through fear, not for themselves, but their infants ; the 
inhabitants flying with their helpless babes in all directions, mis- 
erable fugitives on their native soil ! 

15. In another place, you witness opulent cities taken by storm ; 
the streets, where no sounds were heard but those of peaceful 
industry, filled on a sudden with slaughter and blood, resounding 
with the cries of the pursuing and the pursued; the palaces of 
nobles demolished, the houses of the rich pillaged, and every age, 
sex, and rank, mingled in promiscuous massacre and ruin ! 

Robert Hall. 

Questions. — In peace, does life or death reign ? How is it in "war ? 
"What is the difference between war and peace, according to the ancient 
poet? "Who are victims of war beside those killed outright? Mention 
some of the most prominent evils of war. 

What example of antithesis in the 3d paragraph ? What, of relative 
emphasis ? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



123 



LESSON XXXVI. 

Remark. — The tones of the voice and the style of reading should 
correspond with the nature of the subject. 

[In reading the following extract, some variety of expression is required 
The description of the ball should be read in a lively, animated manner ; 
that of the distant alarm in low, hurried tones, as if intently listening and 
deeply anxious ; the haste of preparation and departure requires life ; 
and the 3d and last two stanzas should be read in a mournful and plain- 
tive style.] 

Give the r a distinct but soft sound in the following and similar 
words found in this lesson; there, fair, hearts, hear, car, pleasure, 
hark, more, tears, ne'er, morn, forming, thunder, soldier, ere, her. 



1. Rev'-el-ry, n. noisy feasting and gay- 
ety. 

Chiv'-al-ry, n. knighthood, a body of 
knights or brave men. [pleasure. 

Vo-lup'-tu-ous, a. exciting animal 



4. Squad'-ron, n. a body of troops. 

5. Ar'-dennes, n. (pro. Ar'-dens) a forest 
near "Waterloo. 

6. Mar'-shal-ing, n. arranging in ordtr. 
Blent, p, mixed, united. 



BATTLE OF WATERLOO.* 

1. There was a sound of revelry by night, 
And Belgium's + capital had gathered there 
Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright 

The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men. 

A thousand hearts beat happily ; and when 

Music arose with its voluptuous swell, 

Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spake again, 

And all went merry as a marriage bell ; 

But hushM harkM — a deep sound strikes like a rising knell ! 

2. Did ye not hear it? — No*; 'twas but the wind, 
Or the car rattling o'er the stony street : 

On with the dance"! let joy be + unconfined ; 

No sleep till morn, when youth and pleasure meet 

To chase the + glowing hours with flying feet — 

* This battle was fought on June 18th, 1815, between the French army on one 
side, commanded by Napoleon Bonaparte, and the English army and allies on tho 
other side, commanded by the Duke of Wellington. At the commencement of 
the battle, some of the officers were at a ball at Brussels, a short distance from 
"Waterloo, and being notified of the approaching contest by the cannonade, left 
the ballroom for the field of battle. This was the last of Napoleon's battles. Ho 
was here completely overthrown. 



224 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

But, hark'! — that heavy sound breaks in once more', 
As if the clouds its echo would repeat', 
And nearer", clearer^, deadlier" than before ! 
Arm\ f arrrCl it is — it is the cannon' £ opening roar ! 

3. Ah ! then and there was hurrying to and fro', 
And gathering tears', and tremblings of distress, 
And cheeks all pale', which, but an hour ago' 
Blushed at the praise of their own + loveliness'; 
And there were sudden partings, such as press 
The life from out young hearts, and choking sighs 
Which ne'er might be repeated — who could guess 
If ever more should meet those + mutual eyes, 
Since upon night so sweet such awful morn could rise. 

4 And there was + mounting in hot haste'; the steed', 
The mustering squadron', and the clattering car' 
Went pouring forward with + impetuous speed, 
And swiftly forming in the ranks of war; 
And the deep thunder, peal on peal afar, 
And near, the beat of the alarming drum 
Roused up the soldier ere the morning star ; 
While + thronged the citizens with terror dumb, [come s ! " 

Or whispering with white lips — "The/oeV They come'! They 

5. And Ardennes waves above them her green leaves, 
Dewy with nature's teardrops, as they pass, 
Grieving, if aught + inanimate e'er grieves, 

Over the unreturning brave ! — alas ! 

Ere evening to be trodden like the grass, 

Which, now, beneath them, but above, shall grow 

In its next verdure, when this fiery mass 

Of living valor, rolling on the foe, 

And burning with high hope, shall t molder cold and low. 

6. Last noon beheld them full of lusty life, 
Last eve in beauty's circle proudly gay, 

The midnight brought the signal-sound of + strife, 

The morn, the marshaling in arms, — the day, 

Battle's + magnificently stern array! 

The thunder clouds close o'er it, which when rent, 

The earth is covered thick with other clay, 

Which her own clay shall cover, heaped and +pent, 

Rider, and horse, — friend, foe, — in one red burial blent. 

Byron. 



Questions. — When, where, and between what parties and com- 
manders was the battle of Waterloo fought ? What is described in the 
first few lines ? What place is meant by the capital of Belgium ? What 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



125 



sound interrupted their dancing ? What "was the result of the battle ? 
What is meant by '•' nature's teardrops " in the second line of the 5th 
stanza ? Explain the sixth and seventh lines of the 5th stanza ? Ex- 
plain the last three lines of the lesson. 

What instances of absolute emphasis, in the 2d stanza ? What, of 
relative emphasis, in the 5th stanza ? In the last line of the 4th stanza, 
should the emphasis there marked, be expressed by a loud tone or a low 
tone ? 

ARTICULATION. 

Shrubs, spruce, sprinkl'd, sparsely, shrunk, shrivl'd. 

Sweet-scented shrubs. Spruce was sprinkVd sparsely. The roots lie 
shrunk and shrivVd till spring. Thou sneer'st and scoff'st inexcusably. 
He was formidaSZe, unbearaSZe, intolera6fe, unmanagea&Ze, and terri&Ze. 



LESSON XXXVII. 



Give the r its rough sound in the following, and similar words found 
in this lesson : rose, reigned, rank, criterion, shrine, creed, crescent, 
cross, parricidal, tribune, crowns, crumbled, trembled, prodigies, 
incredible, protection, patron. 



1. Prod'-i-gy, n. something wonderful. 

2. Cri-te'-ri-on, n. a standard of judging. 
Shrine, n. a box of sacred relics, 
Here the thing worshiped. 
Sub-sid'-i-a-ry, a. aiding, assisting. 
Dy'-nas-ty, n. a succession of kings 
of the same family. 

Cres'-cent, n. the Turkish flag is so 
called because it has on it the figure 
of a new moon, and it is here put for 
the Turkish power. 
Par-ri-ci'-dal, a. relating to the crime 
of murdering a parent or destroying 
one's country. 
Di'-a-dem, n. a crown. 

3. Pan'-to-mime, n. a scene in which 
things are represented by action 
without words. 



De-vel'-op-ment, n. unfolding, dis- 
closure. 

U-biq'-ui-ty, n. (pro. u-bik'-we-ty) tho 
being every where at the same time. 
Skep'-ti-cism, n. doubt, unbelief. 
Sub-al'-tern, n. an inferior officer in 
the army. 

Tit'-u-lar, a. existing in title or name. 
Dig'-ni-ta-ries, n. church officers of a 
high rank. 

Lev'-ee, it. a concourse of persons on 
a visit to a great personage in the 
morning. 

Jac'-o-bin, a. relating to a political 
party of that name in France. 
Med'-ley, n. a confused mass. 
Syn'-a-gogue, n. a Jewish congrega- 
tion or place of worship. 



CHARACTER OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 

1. He is fallen ! We may now pause before that splendid 
prodigy, which towered among us like some ancient ruin whose 
frown terrified the glance its + magnificence attracted. Grand, 



126 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

gloomy, and peculiar, he sat upon the throne a sceptered hermit, 
wrapt in the solitude of his own originality. A mind, bold, inde- 
pendent, and decisive ; a will, despotic in its dictates ; an energy 
that distanced expedition, and a conscience pliable to every touch 
of interest', marked the outline of this + extraordinary character'; 
the most extraordinary, perhaps, that in the annals of this world, 
ever rose, or reigned, or fell. Flung into life, in the midst of a 
revolution that quickened every energy of a people who acknowl- 
edge no superior, he commenced his course, a stranger by birth, 
and a scholar by charity. With no friend but his sword, and no 
fortune but his talents, he rushed in the list where rank, and 
wealth, and genius had arrayed themselves, and competition fled 
from him as from the glance of destiny. 

2 He knew no motive' but interest'; acknowledged no criterion' 
but success'; he worshiped no G-od but ambition, and with an 
eastern devotion he knelt at the shrine of his idolatry. Subsidiary 
to this, there was no creed that he did not profess, there was no 
opinion that he did not + promulgate; in the hope of a dynasty', 
he upheld the crescent'; for the sake of a divorce, he bowed before 
the cross ; the orphan of St. Louis, he became the adopted child 
of the republic; and with a parricidal ingratitude, on the ruins 
both of the throne and tribune, he reared the throne of his despot- 
ism. A professed catholic', he imprisoned the pope'; a pretended 
patriot, he impoverished the country ; and, in the name of Brutus, 
he grasped without remorse, and wore without shame, the diadem 
of the Caesars ! 

» 3. Through this pantomime of policy, fortune played the clown 
to his + caprices. At his touch, crowns' crumbled', beggars' 
reigned', systems vanished, the wildest theories took the color of 
his whim, and all that was venerable, and all that was novel, 
changed places with the rapidity of a + drama. Even apparent 
defeat assumed the appearance of victory ; his flight from Egypt 
confirmed his destiny; ruin itself only elevated him to empire. 
But if his fortune was great, his genius was transcendent; decision 
flashed upon his councils ; and it was the same to decide and to 
perform. To inferior intellects his combinations appeared perfectly 
impossible', his plans perfectly impracticable'; but, in his hands, 
simplicity marked their development', and success f vindicated! 
their adoption'. His person partook the character of his mind; 
if the one* never yielded in the cabinet', the other' never bent in 
the field'. Nature had no obstacle that he did not surmount; 
space no opposition he did not spurn ; and whether amid Alpine 
rocks, Arabian sands, or Polar snows, he seemed proof against 
peril, and empowered with ubiquity. 

4. The whole continent trembled at beholding the + audacity of 
his designs, and the miracle of their execution. Skepticism bowed 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 127 

to the prodigies of his performance j romance assumed the air of 
history, nor was there aught too incredible for belief, or too fanciful 
for expectation, when the world saw a subaltern of Corsica waving 
his imperial flag over her most ancient capitals. All the visions 
of antiquity became commonplaces in his contemplation': kings 
- hi? people'; nations were his outposts'; and he disposed of 
courts', and crowns', and camps', and churches', and cabinets', as 
if they were titular dignitaries of the chessboard. Amid all these 
changes he stood immutable as adamant. 

5. It mattered little whether in the field' or in the drawing- 

room'; with the mob' or the levee'; wearing the jacobin bonnet' or 
the iron crown'; banishing a Braganza, or + espousing a Hapsburg; 
dictating peace on a raft to the Czar of Bussia, or contemplating 
defeat at the gallows of Leipsig; he was still the same military 
despot. 

6. In this wonderful combination, his * affectations of literature 
must not be omitted. The jailer of the press', he affected the 
patronage of letters'; the proscribe! of boohs, he encouraged phil- 
osophy; the f persecutor of authors and the murderer of printers, 
he yet pretended to the protection of learning; the assassin of 
Palm, the silencer of de Stiiel, and the + denouncer of Kotzebue, 
he was the friend of David, the benefactor of De Lille, and sent 
his academic prize to the philosopher of England. 

7. Such a medley of contradictions, and at the same time such 
an individual consistency, were never united in the same character. 
A royalist'; a republican' and an emperor'; a 3Iohammedan'; a 
catholic' and a patron of the synagogue'; a subaltern' and a sov- 
ereign'; a traitor' and a tyrant'; a Christam' and an infidel'; he 
was, through all his vicissitudes, the same stern, impatient, + inflex- 
ible original; the same mysterious, + incomprehensible self; the 
man without a model, and without a shadow. 

Phillips. 



Questions. — In what capacity did Bonaparte commence his career ? 
Over what nation did lie desire to found a dynasty or race of kings 2 At 
what battle did his career of power close ? What is meant by Lis banish- 
ing a Braganza, and espousing a Hapsburg ? What was his ruling 
passion? 

Explain the inflections in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. (Chiefly 
antithesis and series. Rules VI, II, 3§.) 



128 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XXXVIII. 

Remake. — The tones of the voice and the manner of reading should 
correspond with the nature of the subject. 

[The following is a very difficult sketch to read expressively. The old 
man dying under torture, and the painter striving to catch the expression 
of his countenance, and to transfer it to the canvas, are the two objects 
before the mind. The painter is sometimes talking to himself, sometimes 
directing his servant, and sometimes replying to the groans and entreaties 
of the dying man, and, in each of these characters, his supposed manner 
of expression is to be imitated.] 

Pronounce correctly. — Pro-me-thc-us, not Pro-me-thuse : Cau'- 
ca-sus, not Cau-ca'-sus : vic-tim, not vic-tum : curl, not cull : death-less, 
not death-liss : ap-pall, not ap^pal. (For the sounds indicated by the 
figures in words like this, see McGuffey's newly revised Eclectic 
Spelling Book, p. 12.) 



1. Fes'-ter-ing, p. rankling, causing 
corruption. 

Rapt, a. transported in ecstasy, 

2. Air'-i-ly, adv. gayly, merrily. 

3. A-gape', adv. (pro. a-gahp) gaping, 
having the mouth open. 

4. Sti'-fles, v. suppresses, stops. 

6. Smoth'-er-ing, a. suffocating by 
covering up closely. 



7. In-sa'-tiate, a. not to be satisfied. 
Yearn'-ing, «. strong emotion of 
tenderness or pity. 
Taunt, v. to upbraid, to revile. 
9. E-clipse', v. to obscure, to darken. 
Here it means to surpass, to go be- 
yond, [iog- 
Con-cep'-tion, «. the power of think - 
11. Pomp, «. splendor, parade. 



PARRHASIUS. 

"Parrhasius, a painter of Athens, bought one of those Olynthian captives 
which Philip of Macedon brought home to sell; and, when he had him at his 
house, put him to death with extreme torture and torment, the better by his 
example, to express the pains and passions of his Prometheus, which he waa 
then about to paint." 

In the fables of the ancients, Prometheus is represented as being, by the com- 
mand of the gods, chained to the rocks of Mount Caucasus, and surrounded by 
vultures, which are constantly devouring his liver. This, however, grows again 
as fast as it is eaten, so that he is thus continually enduring the agonies of 
death, but never dies. It was this Prometheus, thus chained and tortured, that 
Parrhasius was attempting to paint, and the old man, his captive, was tortured 
to death, that the painter might copy the expression given by extreme pain to 
the countenance. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SEEIES. 129 

1 Parrhasius stood, gazing forgetfully 
Upon his + canvas. There Proniethus lay, 
Chained to the cold rocks of Mount Caucasus, 
The vultures at his vitals, and the links 
Of the lame Lemnian* festering in his flesh ; 
And as the painter's mind felt through the dim, 
Rapt + mystery, and plucked the shadows wild 
Forth with his reaching fancy, and with form 
And color clad them, his fine, earnest eye 
Flashed with a passionate fire, and the quick curl 
Of his thin nostril, and his quivering lip, 
Were like the winged god's f breathing from his flight. 

2. "Bring me the captive now ! 

My hand feels skillful, and the shadows lift 
From my waked spirit airily and swift ; 

And I could paint the bow 
Upon the bended heavens; around me play 
Colors of such + divinity today. 

3. " Ha ! bind him on his back'! 
Look'! as Prometheus in my picture here'! 
Quick'! or he faints'! stand with the * cordial near'! 

Now', bend him to the rack'! 
Press down the poisoned links into his flesh'! 
And tear agape that healing wound afresh'! 

4. "So'! let him writhe'! How long 

"Will he live thus'? Quick', my good pencil', now ! 
What a fine + agony works upon his brow'! 

Ha ! gray-haired, and so strong 7 ! 
How fearfully he stifles that short moan'! 
G-ods'! if I could paint a dying groan'! 

5. "'Pity' thee'? Soldo'; 

I pity the dumb victim at the altar; 

But does the robed priest for his pity + falter 7 ? 

I'd rack thee', though I knew' 
A thousand lives were perishing in thine'; 
What were ten thousand to a. fame like mine? 

6. " Ah ! there's a deathless name ! 

A spirit that the smothering vault shall spurn, 
And, like a + steadfast planet, mount and burn; 

And though its crown of flame 
Consumed my brain to ashes as it won me; 
By all the fiery stars'! I'd pluck it on me'! 

* Vulcan, who was the fabled blacksmith of the gods, and who was lame. 

t Mercury. 



130 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

7. " Ay', though it bid me + rifle 

My heart's last fount for its insatiate thirst*; 
Though every life-strung nerve be maddened first; 

Though it should bid me stifle 
The yearning in my throat for my sweet child, 
And taunt its mother till my brain went wild ; 

8. "AW! I would do it all\ 

Sooner than die, like a dull worm, to rot; 
Thrust foully in the earth to be forgot. 

Oh heavens'! but I appall 
Your heart', old man'! forgive — ha ! on your lives 
Let him not faint ! racU him till he f revives ! 

9. "Vain* — vain* — give o'er. His eye 

G-lazes apace. He does not feel you now. 
Stand back ! I'll paint the death dew on his brow I 

Gods ! if he do not die 
But for one moment — one — till I eclipse 
Conception with the scorn of those calm lips ! 

10. " Shivering ! Hark ! he mutters 
Brokenly now ; that was a difficult breath ; 
Another'? Wilt thou never come, oh, Death'! 

Look'! how his temple + flutters'! 
Is his heart still ? Aha ! lift up his head'! 
He shudders* — gasps' — Jove help' him — so', he's dead'!" 

11. How like a mountain devil in the heart 
Rules this + unreined ambition ! Let it once 
But play the monarch, and its haughty brow 
Grlows with a beauty that + bewilders thought 
And unthrones peace forever. Putting on 
The very pomp of Lucifer, it turns 

The heart to ashes, and with not a spring 
Left in the desert for the spirit's lip, 
We look upon our splendor, and forget 
The thirst of which we perish ! 

Willis. 



Questions. — Who was Parrhasius ? Where is Athens ? What was 
Parrhasius painting ? Relate the fable of Prometheus. Why did the 
painter torture the old man ? Is such ambition justifiable ? What caused 
the fallen angels to rebel ? 

Explain the inflections. 

Parse the first "all" in the 8th paragraph. Parse "vain" in the 9th 
The second " one " in the same. " Devil " in the 11th. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



131 



LESSON XXXIX. 

Remark. — Avoid reading in a monotonous way, as if you were not 
interested, or did not understand what is read. 

Pronounce correctly. — Har'-ass-ing, not har-ass'-ing : mead-ow, 
not mead-er: yel-low, not yel-ler: W-v?ax&, not to-wardS : reg-u-ia-tions 
(pro. reg-yu-la-tions,) not reg-gy-la-tions, nor reg-eiv-la-tions : join'd, not 
jine'd. 



1. Gul'-lies, n. hollows in the earth 

worn by water. 
2- En-am'-el-ed, p. (used figuratively) 

covered with a glossy surface like 

enamel. 

3. Ru'-mi-na-ting, p. chewing over 
what has been slightly chewed be- 
fore. 

Herb'-age, n. pasture, grass. 
Lawns, n. open spaces between 
woods. [ment. 

4. Ma-neu'-ver, n. a dexterous move- 
Prair'-ie, to. an extensive, level tract 
without trees, but covered with tall 
grass. 

Wind'-ward, n, the point/rom which 
the wind blows. 



5. Lar'-i-at, n. a long cord or thong of 
leather, with a noose, used in catch- 
ing wild horses. 

8. Flank'-ing, a. overlooking on the 
side. 

9, Jack-o'lan'-tern, n. a kind of light 

seen in low, moist grounds, which 
disappears when approached. 
Cov'-ert, n. a covering place, a shel- 
ter. 

10. Pan'-ic, n. sudden fright. 

11. Scour'-ing, p. passing swiftly. 

12. Brake, n. a thicket of shrubs or 
canes. 

15. Mar'-red, v. interrupted, spoiled. 
Mer-cu'-ri-al, a. sprightly, full of 
fire. 



CAPTURING THE WILD HORSE. 

1. We left the +bufFalo camp about eight o'clock, and had a 
toilsome and ^harassing march of two hours, over ridges of hills, 
covered with a ragged forest of scrub oaks, and broken by deep 

gullies. 

2. About ten o'clock in the morning, we came to where this 
line of rugged hills swept down into a valley, through which 
flowed the north fork of Red River. A beautiful meadow, about 
half a mile wide, enameled with yellow ^autumnal flowers, 
stretched for two or three miles along the foot of the hills, bordered 
on the opposite side by the river, whose banks were fringed with 
cotton-wood trees, the bright foliage of which refreshed and de- 
lighted the eye, after being wearied by the contemplation of 
t'nonotonous wastes of brown forest. 



V62 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

3. The meadow was finely + diversified by groves and clumps of 
trees, so happily disposed, that they seemed as if set out by the 
hand of art. As we cast our eyes over this fresh and delightful 
valley, we beheld a troop of wild horses, quietly grazing on a 
green lawn, about a mile distant, to our right, while to our left, at 
nearly the same distance, were several buffaloes; some feeding, 
others reposing, and ruminating among the high, rich herbage, 
under the shade of a clump of cotton-wood trees. The whole had 
the appearance of a broad beautiful tract of pasture land, on the 
highly-ornamented estate of some gentleman farmer, with his cattle 
grazing about the lawns and meadows. 

4. A ^council of war was now held, and it was determined to 
profit by the present favorable opportunity, and try our hand at the 
grand hunting maneuver, which is called "ringing the wild horse." 
This requires a large party of horsemen, well mounted. They 
extend themselves in each direction,, at certain distances apart, and 
gradually form a ring of two or three miles in + circumference, so 
as to surround the game. This must be done with extreme care, 
for the wild horse is the most readily alarmed inhabitant of the 
prairie, and can scent a hunter at a great distance, if to windward. 

5. The ring being formed, two or three ride toward the horses, 
which start off in an opposite direction. Whenever they approach 
the bounds of the ring, however, a huntsman presents himself, and 
turns them from their course. In this way, they are checked, and 
driven back at every point, and kept galloping round and round 
this + magic circle, until, being completely tired down, it is easy for 
hunters to ride up beside them, and throw the lariat over their 
heads. The prime horses of the most speed, courage, and bottom, 
however, are apt to break through, and escape, so that, in general, 
it is the second-rate horses that are taken. 

6. Preparations were now made for a hunt of this kind. The 
pack horses were now taken into the woods, and firmly tied to 
trees, lest in a rush of wild horses, they should break away. 
Twenty-five men were then sent under the command of a lieuten- 
ant, to steal along the edge of the valley, within the strip of wood 
that + skirted the hills. They were to station themselves about 
fifty yards apart, within the edge of the- woods, and not advance or 
show themselves until the horses dashed in that direction. Twenty- 
five men were sent across the valley, to steal in like manner along 
the river bank that bordered the opposite side, and to station them- 
selves among the trees. 

7. A third party of about the same number was to form a line, 
stretching across the lower part of the valley, so as to connect the 
two wings. Beatte and our other half breed, Antoine, together 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 133 

with the ever officious Tonish, were to make a + circuit through the 
woods, so as to get to the upper part of the valley, in the rear of 
the horses, and drive them forward, into the kind of sack that we 
had formed, while the two wings should join behind them, and 
make a complete circle. 

8. The flanking parties were quietly extending themselves out 
of sight, on each side of the valley, and the residue were stretching 
themselves like the links of a chain across it, when the wild horses 
gave signs that they scented an enemy; snuffing the air, snorting, 
and looking about. At length, they f pranced off slowly toward 
the river, and disappeared behind a green bank. 

9. Here, had the regulations of the chase been observed, they 
would have been quietly checked and turned back by the advance 
of a hunter from the trees ; unluckily, however, we had our + wild- 
fire, Jack-o'lantern, little Frenchman to deal with. Instead of 
keeping quietly up the right side of the valley, to get above the 
horses, the moment he saw them move toward the river, he broke 
out of the covert of woods, and dashed furiously across the plain 
in pursuit of them. This put an end to all system. The half 
breeds, and half a score of + rangers, joined in the chase. 

10. Away they all went over the green bank; in a moment or 
two, the wild horses reappeared, and came thundering down the 
valley, with Frenchman, half breeds, and rangers, galloping and 
bellowing behind them. It was in vain that the line drawn across 
the valley, attempted to check, and turn back the fugitives; they 
were too hotly pressed by their pursuers : in their panic they 
dashed through the line, and clattered down the plain. 

11. The whole troop joined in the headlong chase, some of the 
rangers without hats or caps, their hair flying about their ears, and 
others with handkerchiefs tied round their heads. The buffaloes, 
which had been calmly ruminating among the herbage, heaved up 
their huge forms, gazed for a moment at the tempest that came 
scouring down the meadow, then turned and took to heavy rolling 
flight. They were soon overtaken : the + promiscuous throng were 
pressed together by the contracting sides of the valley, and away 
they went', pell mell', + hurry skurry', wild buffalo', wild horse', 
wild huntsman', with clang and clatter', and whoop and halloo', 
that made the forests ring'. 

12. At length, the buffaloes turned into a green brake, on the 
river bank, while the horses dashed up a narrow + defile of the 
hills, with their pursuers close at their heels. Beatte passed 
several of them, having fixed his eye upon a fine Pawnee horse 
that had his ears slit, and saddle marks upon his back. He 
pressed him gallantly, out lost him in the woods. 



134 M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

13. Among the wild horses, was a fine black mare, which i n 
scrambling up the defile, tripped and fell. A young ranger sprang 
from his horse, and seized her by the mane, and muzzle. Another 
ranger dismounted, and came to his assistance. The mare strug- 
gled fiercely, kicking and biting, and striking with her fore feet, 
but a noose was slipped over her head, and her + struggles were 
in vain. 

14. It was some time, however, before she gave over rearing 
and plunging, and lashing out with her feet on every side. The 
two rangers then led her along the valley, by two strong lariats, 
which enabled them to keep at a sufficient distance on each side, 
to be out of the reach of her hoofs, and whenever she struck out 
in one direction, she was jerked in the other. In this way her 
spirit was gradually + subdued. 

15. As to Tonish, who had marred the whole scheme by his 
+ precipitancy, he had been more successful than he deserved, 
having managed to catch a beautiful cream-colored colt about 
seven months old, that had not strength to keep up with its com- 
panions. The mercurial little Frenchman was beside himself with 
+ exultation. It was amusing to see him with his prize. The colt 
would rear and kick, and struggle to get free, when Tonish would 
take him about the neck, wrestle with him, jump on his back, and 
cut as many antics as a monkey with a kitten. 

16. Nothing surprised' me more, however, than to witness how 
soon these poor animals thus taken from the unbounded freedom 
of the prairie, yielded to the dominion of man. In the course of 
two or three days, the mare and colt went with the lead horses, 
and became quite "^docile. 

W. Irvixg. 



Questions. — Near what river did this expedition commence ? "Where 
is that river ? Describe the country, scenery, etc. What animated objects 
presented themselves to view upon the right and the left ? To what is the 
whole scene compared ? "What hunting maneuver was commenced ? De 
scribe it. What is the lariat ? Describe the proceedings of the party in 
this maneuver. What interrupted its successful completion ? Give the 
striking contrast between the flight of the wild horses and that of the 
buffaloes ? Describe the capture of the black mare. What was tin- 
conduct of the captured animals in respect to being tamed ? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES, 



135 



LESSON XL. 

R e m a r k. — Let all the pupils notice, as each member of the class reads, 
•where a proper pause is not made at the commas and other points. 

Articulate distinctly. — Gath-er-ing, not gath-er-in: ir-reg-u-lar, 
not ir-reg'lar : dii-fi-eul-ty, not dif'cul-ty : na-val, not na-v'l : in-fe-ri-or, 
not in-fer'or : prim-i-tivo, not primitive : in-yis-i-ble, not in-vis'ble : 
u-ni-yers-al-ly, not u-ni-vcrs'ly. 



1. Ra-vine', n, (pro. ra-veen') a long 
deep hollow in the earth, worn by a 
stream of water, 

2. Quar'-ter-deck, n. that part of a ship's 
deck which lies toward the stern. 
Fore'-cas-tle, n. (pro. fore-cas'sl) the 
short deck in the fore part of a ship. 

4. Glen, n, a valley. - 



Fane, n. a place devoted to religious 

worship, 
7. A'-re-a, n. any open surface, or space. 
8- Ap-pend'-a-ges, n. things added to 

a greater or principal thing. 
3.2. Pa'-gan, a. heathen. [or morality. 

14, Li-cen'-tious, a. unrestrained by law 

15. Con'-trite, a. humble, penitent. 



SCENE AT THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. 

1. At an early hour of the morning, even before we had taken 
our breakfast on board the ship, a single islander here or there, or 
a group of three or four, wrapped in their large mantles of various 
hues, might be seen winding their way among the groves fringing 
the bay on the east, or descending from the hills and ravine on the 
north, toward the chapel ; and by degrees their numbers increased, 
till, in a short time, every path along the beach, and over the 
uplands, presented an almost uninterrupted + procession of both 
sexes, and of every age, all pressing to the house of God. 

2. So few canoes were round the ship yesterday, and the landing 
place had been so little thronged, as our boats passed to and fro, 
that one might have thought the district but thinly inhabited; but 
now, such multitudes were seen gathering from various directions, 
that the exclamation, "What crowds of people ! What crowds of 
people ! " was heard from the quarter-deck to the forecastle. 

3. Even to myself, it was a sight of surprise; surprise not at 
the magnitude of the population, but that the object, for which 
they were evidently + assembling, should bring together so great a 
multitude. And as my thoughts + reechoed the words, " What 



I3b MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

crowds of people!" + remembrances and affections of deep power 
came over me ; and the silent musings of my heart were, " What a 
change ! what a happy change ! " 

4. When at this very place, only four years ago, the known 
wishes and example of chiefs of high authority, the daily persua- 
sion of teachers, added to motives of curiosity and novelty, could 
scarcely induce a hundred of the + inhabitants to give an ''"irregu- 
lar, careless, and impatient attendance on the services of the 
sanctuary. But now, 

" Like mountain torrents pouring to the main, 
From every glen a living stream came forth ; 
From every hill, in crowds, they hastened down, 
To worship Him, who deigns, in humblest fane, 
On wildest shore, to meet th' upright in heart." 

5. The scene, as looked on from our ship, in the stillness of a 
brightly-beaming Sabbath morning, was well calculated, with its 
+ associations, to prepare the mind for strong impressions on a 
nearer view, when the conclusion of our own public worship should 
allow us to go on shore. Mr. Goodrich had "^apprised us, that he 
had found it expedient to hold both the services of the Sabbath, in 
the forepart of the day, that all might have the benefit of two 
sermons, and still reach their abodes before + nightfall. For, 

" Numbers dwelt remote, 
And first must traverse many a weary mile, 
To reach the altar of the God they love." 

6. And it was arranged, that, on this occasion, the second ser- 
vice should be + postponed till the officers should be at liberty to 
leave the ship. It was near 12 o'clock when we went on shore ; 
the captain and first lieutenant, the purser, surgeon, several of the 
+ midshipmen, and myself. Though the services had commenced 
when we landed, large numbers were seen circling the doors with- 
out ; but, as we afterward found, only from the + impracticability 
of obtaining places within. 

7. The house is an immense structure, capable of containing 
many thousands, every part of which was filled, except a smaf( 
area in front of the pulpit, where seats were reserved for us, and to 
which we made our way, in slow and tedious procession, from the 
difficulty of finding a spot to place even our footsteps, without 
treading on limbs of the people, seated on their feet, as closely, 
almost, as they could be stowed. 

8. As we entered, Mr. Goodrich paused in his sermon, till we 
should be seated. I ascended the pulpit beside him, from which I 
had a full view of the + congregation. The suspense of attention 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 137 

in the people was only momentary, notwithstanding the entire 
novelty to them of the laced coats, cocked hats, and other appen- 
dages of naval uniform. I can scarce describe the emotions 
experienced in glancing an eye over the immense number, seated 
so thickly on the matted floor as to seem literally one mass of 
heads, covering an area of more than nine thousand square feet. 
The sight was most striking, and soon became, not only to myself, 
but to some of my fellow officers, deeply affecting. 

9. I have listened, with delighted attention, to some of the 
highest + eloquence, the pulpits of America and England, of the 
present day, can boast. I have seen tears of conviction and peni- 
tence flow freely, under the sterner truths of the word of G-od ; 
but it was left for one at Hido, the most + obscure corner of these 
distant islands, to excite the liveliest emotions ever experienced, and 
leave the deepest impressions of the extent and "^unsearchable 
riches of the gospel which I have ever known. 

10. It seemed, even while I gazed, that the majesty of that 
Power might be seen rising and + erecting to itself a throne, 
permanent as glorious, in the hearts of these but late utterly 
benighted and deeply polluted people. And when I compared 
them, as they had once been known to me, and as they now 
appeared, the change seemed the effect of a + mandate scarcely less 
mighty in its power, or speedy in its result, than that exhibited, 
when it was said, " Let there be light, and there ivas light!" 

11. The depth of the impression arose from the irresistible 
* conviction that the Spirit of G-od was there. It could have 
been nothing else. With the exception of the inferior chiefs, 
having charge of the district, and their dependents ; of two or three 
native members of the church, and of the mission family, scarce 
one of the whole multitude was in other than the native dress, the 
simple garments of their + primitive state. 

12. In this respect and in the attitude of sitting, the assembly 
was purely pagan. But the breathless silence, the eager attention, 
the half-suppressed sigh, the tear, the various feeling, sad, peaceful, 
joyous, discoverable in the faces of many ; all spoke the presence 
, of an invisible but omnipotent Power, the Power which alone can 

melt and renew the heart of man, even as it alone first brought it 
into existence. 

13. It was, in a word, a heathen congregation laying hold on 
the hopes of eternity; a heathen congregation, fully sensible of 
the "*" degradation of their original state : exulting in the first 
beams of truth, and in the no uncertain dawning of the Sun of 
Righteousness ; thirsting after knowledge, even while they sweetly 

12 



138 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

drank of the waters of life ; and, under the inspiring influence, by 
every look, expressing the heartfelt truth — " Beautiful on the 
mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings ; that 
bringeth good tidings of good, that + publisheth salvation I" 

14. The simple appearance and yet Christian + deportment of 
that obscure congregation, whom I had once known, and at no 
remote period, only as a set of rude, licentious, and wild pagans, 
did more to rivet the conviction of the divine origin of the Bible, 
and of the holy influences by which it is accompanied to the hearts 
of men, than all the arguments, and apologies, and defenses of 
Christianity I ever read. 

15. An entire moral + reformation has taken place. Instruction 
of every kind is eagerly and + universally sought, and from many 
a humble dwelling, now 

" Is daily heard 
The voice of prayer and praise to Jacob's God : 
And many a heart in secret heaves a sigh, 
To Him who hears, well pleased, the sigh contrite." 

Stewart. 

Questions. — "Where are the Sandwich Islands ? For what object 
were the persons assembled as described in this lesson ? What is said of 
their number? What change has taken place in the character of the 
population ? To what is this change to be attributed ? Describe their 
appearance as seated in the church. What is said of their deportment ? 
What conviction is all this calculated to produce ? 

Will you parse " Is " the first word of the poetic extract which closes 
the lesson ? Parse " heart," in the same extract. Parse " sigh." Parse 
" contrite." Which are the adjectives in the 14th paragraph ? Compare 
each of them that will admit it. What does the word adjective mean 1 
See Analytical Grammar, p. 12. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 139 



LESSON XLI. 

Remark. — "When anything very solemn or devotional is to be read, 
there should be a full, solemn tone of voice ; the piece should be read 
slowly, and long pauses should be made at the commas. 

Pronounce correctly. — Angels (pro. ane-gels), not ann-gels: 
commanded, not cum-man-ded: mountains (pro. mount-ins), not mount- 
ed les : ex-cel-lent, not ex-cel-lunt. 



Drag'-on, n, a kind of winged serpent, I Horn, n. here used figuratively for* 
here used for all kinds of serpents. I power. 



JOYOUS DEVOTION. 

Praise ye the Lord. 
Praise ye the Lord from the + heavens. 
Praise ye him in the hights. 
Praise ye him, all his angels : 
Praise ye him, all his hosts. 
Praise ye him, sun and moon : 
Praise him, all ye stars of light. 
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, 
And ye waters that he above the heavens. 
Let them praise the name of the Lord : 
For he + commanded, and they were created. 
He hath also f established them forever and ever 
He hath made a + decree which shall not pass. 

Praise the Lord from the earth, 
Ye dragons, and all deeps : 
Fire, and hail; snow, and "*" vapors; 
+ Stormy wind fulfilling his word : 
Mountains, and all hills ; 
"♦"Fruitful trees, and all + cedars; 
Beasts and all cattle ; 
Creeping things and flying fowl : 
Kings of the earth, and all people; 
Princes, and all judges of the earth; 
Both young men and maidens; 
Old men and children : 
Let them praise the name of the Lord : 
For his name alone is + excellent; 
His + glory is above the earth and heaven. 



140 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



He also + exalteth the horn of his people, 

The praise of all his saints, 

Even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. 



Praise ye the Lord 



Bible. 



Questions. — "What is meant by calling upon things inanimate, and 
upon brutes, to praise God ? What reason is assigned why God should 
be universally praised ? 



AKTICULATION. 

Swell, spread, sprawling, drawling, scroll, scruples. 
The leaves swell and spread in all directions. No sprawling nor 



drawling. Scruples of delicacy caused him to shrink, 
shroud fell upon the shrine of his idolatry. 



The death 



LESSON XLII. 

Pronounce correctly — Ere, pro. a-er: roof, not ruff: an-thems, 
not an-thums: of-fer'd, not of-fud: an-cient, not ann-cient: a-dore, not 
ud-ore: 6n-ly, not un-ly: col-umns, pro. col-lums: cen-tu-ry, not 
cen-ter-y. 



2. Shaft, n. the body of a column. 

Arch'-i-trave, n. (pro. ark' -e-trave) 

that part which rests immediately 

upon the column. 
4. Vault, n. an arched roof. [forth. 
13. Sway'ed, v. moved, waved back and 
IS. Sanct'-u-a-rios, n. places set apart 

for the worship of God. 
33. Shrine, n. a box for sacred relics, 

here a place for worshiping God. 
37. Fan-tas'-tic, a. whimsical, odd. 



51. Wells, v. issues forth as water from 
the earth. 

58. An-ni'-hi-la-ted, p. reduced to 
nothing. 

61. Cor'-o-nal, n. a crown, a wreath. 

03. Glare, n. a bright, dazzling light. 

67. Em-a-na'-tion, n. that which pro- 
ceeds from any source. 

86. Arch, a. chief, principal. 
115. El'-e-ments, n. in popular langunge 
fire, air, earth, and water, 



GOD ? S FIRST TEMPLES. 

1. The groves were G-od's first temples. Ere man learned 
To hew the shaft, and lay the architrave, 
And spread the roof above them,— ere he framed 
The lofty vault, to gather and roll hack 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 141 

5. The sound of anthems, — in the darkling wood, 

Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down 

And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks 

And "^supplication. For his simple heart 

Might not resist the sacred influences, 
10. That, from the stilly twilight of the place, 

And from the gray old trunks, that high in heaven 

Mingled their mossy boughs, and from the sound 

Of the + invisible breath, that swayed at once 

All their green tops, stole over them, and bowed 
15. His spirit, with the thought of boundless Power 

And + inaccessible Majesty. Ah, why 

Should we, in the world's riper years, neglect 

God's ancient sanctuaries, and adore 

Only among the crowd, and under roofs 
20. That + our frail hands have raised ! Let me, at least 

Here, in the shadow of this aged wood, 

Offer one hymn ; thrice happy, if it find 

Acceptance in His ear. 

Father, thy hand 
Hath reared these venerable + columns. Thou 

25. Didst weave this verdant roof. Thou didst look down 
Upon the naked earth, and, forthwith, rose 
All these fair ranks of trees. They, in thy sun 
Budded, and shook their green leaves in thy breeze, 
And shot toward heaven. The century-living crow, 

80. "Whose birth was in their tops, grew old and died 
Among their branches ; till, at last, they stood, 
As now they stand, massy, and tall, and dark, 
Fit shrine for humble worshiper to hold 
Communion with his Maker. Here are seen 

35. No traces of man's pomp, or pride ; no silks 
Rustle, no jewels shine, nor envious eyes 
+ Encounter ; no fantastic carvings show 
The boast of our vain race to change the form 
Of thy fair works. But thou art here ; thou filTst 

40. The solitude. Thou art in the soft winds, 
That run along the t summits of these trees 
In music ; thou art in the cooler breath, 
That, from the inmost darkness of the place, 
Comes, scarcely felt; the barky trunks, the ground, 

45. The fresh, moist ground, are all instinct with thee. 
Here is continual worship ; nature, here, 
In the + tranquillity that thou dost love, 
Enjoys thy presence. Noiselessly, around, 
From perch to perch, the solitary bird 



142 M^GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

50. Passes ; and yon clear spring, that, 'mid its herbs, 
Wells softly forth, and visits the strong roots 
Of half the mighty forest, tells no tale 
Of all the good it does. Thou hast not left 
Thyself without a witness, in these shades, 
55. Of thy perfections. Grandeur, strength, and grace, 
Are here to speak of thee. This mighty oak, 
By whose immovable stem I stand, and seem 
Almost annihilated, not a prince, 
In all the proud old world beyond the deep, 
60. E'er wore his crown as f loftily as he 

Wears the green coronal of leaves, with which 
Thy hand has graced him. Nestled at his root 
Is beauty, such as blooms not in the glare 
Of the broad sun. That delicate forest flower, 
65. With scented breath, and look so like a smile, 
Seems, as it issues from the shapeless mold, 
An emanation of the indwelling Life, 
A visible token of the upholding Love, 
That are the soul of this wide + universe. 
70. My heart is awed within me, when I think 
Of the great miracle that still goes on, 
In silence, round me ; the perpetual work 
Of thy creation, finished, yet renewed 
Forever. Written on thy works, I read 
75. The lesson of thy own eternity. 

Lo ! all grow old and die : but see, again, 
How on the faltering footsteps of decay 
Youth presses, ever gay and beautiful youth, 
In all its beautiful forms. These lofty trees 
80. Wave not less proudly than their + ancestors 
Molder beneath them. 0, there is not lost 
One of earth's charms : upon her bosom yet, 
After the flight of untold centuries, 
The freshness of her far beginning lies, 
85. And yet shall lie. Life mocks the idle hate 
Of his arch enemy, Death ; yea, seats himself 
Upon the + sepulcher, and blooms and smiles ; 
And of the triumphs of his ghastly foe 
Makes his own nourishment. For he came forth 
90. From thine own bosom, and shall have no end. 

There have been holy men, who hid themselves 
Deep in the woody wilderness, and gave 
Their lives to thought and prayer, till they outlived 
The generation born with them, nor seemed 
95. Less aged than the hoary trees and rocks 

Around them ; and there have been holy men, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 143 

Who deemed it were not well to pass life thus. 

But let me often to these + solitudes 

Retire, and in thy presence, reassure 
100. My feeble virtue. Here, its enemies, 

The passions, at thy plainer footsteps, shrink, 

And tremble, and are still. God ! when thou 

Dost scare the world with tempests, set on fire 

The heavens with falling thunderbolts, or fill 
105. "With all the waters of the + firmament, 

The swift, dark whirlwind, that uproots the woods 

And drowns the villages ; when, at thy call, 

Uprises the great deep, and throws himself 

Upon the continent, and overwhelms 
110. Its cities ) -*- who forgets not, at the sight 

Of these + tremendous tokens of thy power, 

His pride, and lays his strifes and follies by ? 

O, from these sterner aspects of thy face 

Spare me and mine; nor let us need the wrath 
115. Of the mad, unchained elements, to teach 

Who rules them. Be it ours to + meditate, 

In these calm shades, thy milder majesty, 

And to the beautiful order of thy works, 

Learn to + conform the order of our lives. 

W. C. Beya*t. 

Questions . — What are the most ancient temples of worship? What 
meditations become the forest scenes? How are the forests a witness for 
God? (See line 55 and onward.) What is the poetic measure of this 
piece ? 

Parse "stole/' in the 14th line. "Shrine," in the 33d line. "Encounter/' 
in the 37th. " Oak/' in the 56th. Parse "be," the first word of the last 
sentence in the lesson. Parse "majesty," in the same sentence. Which 
are the adjectives in this sentence ? Which are the prepositions ? What 
is a preposition ? Why are they so called ? 



ARTICULATION. 

Struggl'd, strict, strode, strolPd, clock, strikes. 

They struggl'd through all difficulties. The rules are unnecessarily 
strict. He strode proudly on. They stroll' d through thickets, and briars, 
and brambles, and ihoms, till they reached the road. The clock strikes 
twelve. 



144 



M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XLIII. 

Pronounce correctly, and Articulate distinctly. — Ir-reg-u-lar, 
(pro. iweg-yu-lar), not ir-reg-gy-lar, nor ir^reg-ew-lar : sem-i-cir-cle, not 
suu-i-cir-cle : per-pen-dic-n-lar, not per-pen-dic-ky-lar, nor pcr-pen-dic'lur; 
which, not wich : cat-a-racts, not cat-rac's : ex-act, not ex-ac : be-yond, 
not be-yend: ap-pall-ing, not ap-pal-xng : dis-cov-er-a-ble, not dis-cov- 
er'ble. 



1, Cat'-a-ract, n. a great fall of water 
over a precipice. 
Cas-cades', n, waterfalls. 

3- Am-phi-the'-a-ter, n. a circular build- 
ing having the rows of seats around 
it rising one above another. It is here 
used figuratively, to indicate the ap- 
pearance of the falls. [tangle- 
Ex'-tri-cate, v. to set free, to disen- 

4. Chasms, n. (pro. kazm) a gap, an 
opening. [pyramid. 

5. Py-ram'-id-al, a. having the form of a 
A-byss', n. a deep pit or gulf. 

G. Lu'-min-ous, a. bright, shining. 
Ir-ra'-di-ate, v. to illuminate, [back. 

7. Re-coil'-ing, a. shrinking, starting 

8. Per-turb'-ed, a. agitated, disturbed. 

d. Com-mi-nu'-tion, n. the state of being 
separated into very small particles. 



10. Spi'-ral, a. winding like a scrow. 
An'-gu-lar, a. having corners. 

11. Fos'-sil, a. dug out of the earth, 
Or-gan'-ic, «. having organs for 
growth and nourishment. Organic 
remains are the remains of living 
bodies changed into stone. 

12. En-vel'-op, v. to inclose, to surround 
entirely. 

13. Im'-pe-tus,n.force of motion, impulse. 

14. Co-los'-sal, a. very large, huge. 
16. Gor'-geous, a. splendid, showy. 

Dec-o-ra'-tions, n. ornaments. 
Re-ful'-gent, a. shining, splendid. 

18. Ex-plo'-sion, n. a bursting with noise. 
Ha'-lo, n. (pro, hah'-lo) a bright cir- 
cle around the sun. 

19. E'-gress, n. the act of going out. 
Her'-alds, n. fore-runners. 



NIAGARA FALLS. 

1. The form of the Niagara Falls is that of an irregular + semi- 
circle, about three quarters of a mile in extent. This is divided 
into two distinct cascades by the intervention of Goat Island, the 
extremity of which is perpendicular, and in a line with the preci- 
pice, over which the water is projected. The cataract on the 
Canada side of the river, is called the Horse-shoe, or Great Fall, 
from its peculiar form; and that next the United States, the 
American Fall. 

2. The Table Rock, from which the Falls of the Niagara may 
be * contemplated in all their grandeur, lies on an exact level with 
the edge of the cataract on the Canada side, and, indeed, forms a 
part of the + precipice, over which the water rushes. It derives 
its name from the circumstance of its projecting beyond the cliffs 
that support it, like the leaf of a table, To gain this position, it 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 145 

is necessary to descend a steep bank, and to follow a path that 
winds among shrubbery and trees, which entirely conceal from the 
eye the scene that awaits him who traverses it. 

3. When near the termination of this road, a few steps carried 
me beyond all these obstructions, and a magnificent amphitheater 
of cataracts burst upon my view with + appalling suddenness and 
majesty. However, in a moment, the scene was concealed from 
my eyes by a dense cloud of spray, which involved me so com- 
pletely, that I did not dare to extricate myself. 

4. A mingled and thunder-like rushing filled my ears. I could 
see nothing, except when the wind made a chasm in the spray, 
and then tremendous cataracts seemed to encompass me on every 
side; while, below, a raging and foaming gulf, of + undiscoverable 
extent, lashed the rocks with its hissing waves, and swallowed, 
under a horrible obscurity, the smoking floods that were precipi- 
tated into its bosom. 

5. At first, the sky was obscured by clouds, but, after a few 
minutes, the sun burst forth, and the breeze, subsiding at the 
same time, permitted the spray to ascend perpendicularly. A 
host of pyramidal clouds rose + majestically, one after another, 
from the abyss at the bottom of the Fall; and each, when it had 
ascended a little above the edge of the cataract, displayed a beau- 
tiful rainbow, which, in a few moments, was gradually transferred 
into the bosom of the cloud that immediately succeeded. 

6. The spray of the Great Fall had extended itself through a 
wide space directly over me, and, receiving the full influence of 
the sun, exhibited a luminous and magnificent rainbow, which con- 
tinued to overarch and irradiate the spot on which I stood, while I 
enthusiastically contemplated the indescribable scene. 

7. Any person who has nerve enough, may plunge his hand into 
the water of the Great Fall, after it is projected over the precipice, 
merely by lying down flat, with his face beyond the edge of the 
Table Rock, and stretching out his arm to its utmost extent. The 
+ experiment is truly a horrible one, and such as I would not wish 
to repeat; for, even to this day, I feel a shuddering and recoiling 
sensation when I recollect having been in the posture above 
described. 

8. The body of water, which composes the middle part of the 
Great Fall, is so immense, that it descends nearly two thirds of 
the space without being ruffled or broken ; and the solemn calm- 
ness, with which it rolls over the edge of the precipice, is finely 
contrasted with the perturbed appearance it assumes after having 
reached the gulf below. But the water, toward each side of the 
Fall, is shattered the moment it drops over the rock, and loses as 

13 



146 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

it descends, in a great measure, the character of a fluid, being 
divided into pyramidal-shaped fragments, the bases of which arc 
turned upward. 

9. The surface of the gulf, below the cataract, presents a very 
singular aspect; seeming, as it were, filled with an immense quan- 
tity of hoar frost, which is agitated by small and rapid undulation . 
The particles of water are dazzlingly white, and do not apparently 
unite together, as might be supposed, but seem to continue for a 
time in a state of distinct comminution, and to repel each other 
with a thrilling and shivering motion, which can not easily be 
described. 

10. The road to the bottom of the Fall presents many more 
difficulties than that which leads to the Table Rock. .After leav- 
ing the Table Rock, the traveler must proceed down the river 
nearly half a mile, where he will come to a small chasm in the 
bank, in which there is a spiral staircase inclosed in a wooden 
building. By descending the stair, which is seventy or eighty feet 
in perpendicular hight, he will find himself under the precipice, 
on the top of which he formerly walked. A high but sloping 
bank extends from its base to the edge of the river; and, on the 
summit of this, there is a narrow slippery path, covered with 
angular + fragments of rock, which leads to the Great Fall. 

11. The impending cliffs, hung with a + profusion of trees and 
brushwood, overarch this road, and seem to vibrate with the thun- 
ders of the cataract. In some places, they rise abruptly to the 
hight of one hundred feet, and display, upon their surfaces, fossil 
shells, and the organic remains of a former world; thus sublimely 
leading the mind to contemplate the convulsions which nature has 
undergone since the creation. 

12. As the traveler advances, he is frightfully stunned by the 
appalling noise; clouds of spray sometimes envelop him, and sud- 
denly check his faltering steps; rattlesnakes start from the + cavi- 
ties of the rocks ; and the scream of eagles, soaring among the 
whirlwinds of eddying vapor, which obscure the gulf of the cata- 
ract, at intervals announce that the raging waters have hurled some 
bewildered animal over the precipice. After scrambling among 
piles of huge rocks that obscure his way, the traveler gains the 
bottom of the Fall, where the soul can be susceptible only of one 
emotion, that of uncontrollable terror. 

13. It was not until I had, by frequent excursions to the Falls, 
in some measure familiarized my mind with their sublimities, that 
I ventured to explore the recesses of the Great Cataract. The 
precipice over which it rolls, is very much arched underneath, 
while the impetus which the water receives in its descent, projects 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 147 

it far beyond the cliff, and thus an immense Gothic arch is formed 
by the rock and the torrent. Twice I entered this cavern, and 
twice I was obliged to retrace my steps, lest I should be suffocated 
by the blast of the dense + spray that whirled around me; ho T ,v- 
ever, the third time, I succeeded in advancing about twenty-five 
yards. 

14. Here darkness began to encircle me. On one side, the 
black cliff stretched itself into a + gigantic arch far above my 
head, and on the other, the dense and hissing torrent formed an 
impenetrable sheet of foam, with which I was drenched in a 
moment. The rocks were so slippery, that I could hardly keep 
my feet, or hold securely by them; while the horrid din made me 
think the precipices above were tumbling down in colossal frag- 
ments upon my head. 

15. A little way below the Great Fall, the river is, compara- 
tively speaking, so tranquil, that a ferry boat plies between the 
Canadian and American shores, for the convenience of travelers. 
"When I first crossed, the heaving flood tossed about the skiff with 
a violence that seemed very alarming; but, as soon as we gained 
the middle of the river, my attention was altogether engaged by 
the + surpassing + grandeur of the scene before me. 

1.6. I was now in the area of a semicircle of cataracts, more 
than three thousand feet in extent, and floated on the surface of a 
gulf, raging, + fathomless, and + interminable. Majestic cliffs, 
splendid rainbows, lofty trees, and columns of spray, were the 
gorgeous decorations of this theater of wonders ; while a dazzling 
sun shed refulgent glories upon every part of the scene. 

17. Surrounded with clouds of vapor, and stunned into a state 
of confusion and terror by the hideous noise, I looked upward to 
the hight of one hundred and fifty feet, and saw vast floods, dense, 
awful, and + stupendous, vehemently bursting over the precipice, 
and rolling down as if the windows of heaven were opened to pour 
another deluge upon the earth. 

18. Loud sounds, resembling discharges of artillery or "'"vol- 
canic explosions, were now distinguishable amid the watery tumult, 
and added terrors to the abyss from which they issued. The sun, 
looking majestically through the ascending spray, was encircled by 
a radiant halo, while fragments of rainbows floated on every side, 
and momentarily vanished, only to give place to a succession of 
others more brilliant. 

19. Looking backward, I saw the Niagara River, again becom- 
ing calm and tranquil, rolling magnificently between the towering 
cliffs, that rose on either side. A gentle breeze ruffled the waters, 



148 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



and beautiful birds fluttered around, as if to welcome its egress 
from those clouds, and thunders, and rainbows, which were the 
heralds of its + precipitation into the abyss of the cataract. 

Howisox. 



Questions. — "What is the form and hight of Niagara Falls? Is 
there more than one Fall? What divides it? From what place may the 
Fails be seen in all their grandeur? Where is Table Rock, and -why is 
it so named ? Is there much water ? How does it appear below the Fall ? 
What effect is produced upon the mind by the union of all these sights 
and sounds ? 



LESSON XIIV. 

Rkmauk. — In reading poetry that does not rhyme, where there is an 
intimate connection, both in sense and construction, between the end of 
one line and the beginning of the next, there should be no pause. 

Articulate distinctly. — In-stant, not in-stan : cast, not cass : 
el-e-mcnts, not el-e-mcnce: mist, not miss: for-est, not fur-ess : dost 
(pro. dust), not duss: past, not pass: la-test, not la-tes. 



3. Widc-in-volv'-ing, a, extending to a 
great distance. 
24. Verge, n. the brink, the edge. 

29. Bar'-ri-er, n. an obstruction, a boun- 
dary, [that can not be satisfied. 

30. In-sa'-tia-ble, a. (pro. in-sa'-sha-ble) 



35. Pyr'-a-rnid, n. a solid body with 
an angular base terminating in a 
point. 

59. Girt, v. surrounded, encircled. 

60- Ra'-di-ant, a. sparkling, giving out 
rays of light. 



10. 



NIAGARA FALLS. 

+ Tremendous torrent ! for an instant, hush 

The terrors of thy voice, and cast aside 

Those wide-involving shadows, that my eyes 

May see the fearful beauty of thy face ! 

I am not all + unworthy of thy sight; 

For, from my very boyhood, have I loved, 

Shunning the meaner track of common minds, 

To look on nature in her loftier moods. 

At the fierce rushing of the + hurricane, 

At the near bursting of the thunderbolt, 

I have been touched with joy; and, when the sea, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. Ml) 

Lashed by the wind, hath rocked my bark, and showed 
Its i* yawning caves beneath me, I have loved 
Its dangers and the wrath of elements. 
15. But never yet the madness of the sea 

Hath moved me, as thy + grandeur moves me now. 

Thou flowest on in quiet, till thy waves 

Grow broken 'mid the rocks j thy current then 

Shoots onward, like the irresistible course 
20. Of destiny. Ah. ! terribly they rage, 

The hoarse and rapid + whirlpools there ! My brain 

Grows wild, my senses wander, as I gaze 

Upon the hurrying waters, and my sight 

Vainly would follow, as onward to the verge 
25. Sweeps the wide torrent; waves + innumerable 

Meet there and madden ; waves innumerable 

Urge on and overtake the waves before, 

And disappear in thunder and in foam. 

They reach, they leap the barrier: the * abyss 

30. Swallows, insatiable, the sinking waves. 

A thousand rainbows arch them, and the woods 
Are deafened with the roar. The violent shock 
Shatters to vapor the descending sheets : 
A cloudy whirlwind fills the gulf, and heaves 

35. The mighty pyramid of circling mist 
To heaven. The solitary hunter, near, 
Pauses with terror in the forest shades. 



God of all truth ! in other lands I've seen 
Lying philosophers, blaspheming men, 

40. + Questioners of thy + mysteries, that draw 
Their fellows deep into impiety ; 
And therefore doth my spirit seek thy face 
In earth's + majestic solitudes. Even here 
My heart doth open all itself to thee. 

45. In this + immensity of loneliness 

I feel thy hand upon me. To my ear 
The eternal thunder of the cataract brings 
Thy voice, and I am humbled as I hear. 

Dread torrent ! that with wonder and with fear 
50. Dost overwhelm the soul of him that looks 
Upon thee, and dost bear it from itself, 
Whence hast thou thy beginning ? Who supplies, 



150 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Age after age, thy + unexhausted springs ? 
What power hath ordered, that, when all thy weight 
55. Descends into the deep, the swollen waves 
Rise not, and roll to + overwhelm the earth ? 

The lord hath opened his + omnipotent hand, 
Covered thy face with clouds, and given his voice 
To thy down-rushing waters ; he hath girt 

60. Thy terrible forehead with his radiant bow. 
I see thy never-resting waters run, 
And I bethink me how the tide of time 
Sweeps to + eternity. So pass, of man, — 
Pass, like a noonday dream, — the blossoming days, 

65. And he awakes to sorrow. * * 

Hear, dread Niagara ! my latest voice. 
Yet a few years, and the cold earth shall close 
Over the bones of him who sings thee now 
Thus feelingly. "Would that this my humble verse, 
70. Might be, like thee, + immortal. I, meanwhile, 
Cheerfully passing to the appointed rest, 
Might raise my radiant forehead in the clouds 
To listen to the + echoes of my fame. u. S. Review. 



Questions. — What is the difference between this lesson and the last? 
What is the difference between prose and poetry ? Do the lines in poetry 
always rhyme ? What is that poetry called which does not ? What kind 
of poetry is this lesson ? What is meant by feet in poetic composition ? 
Answer the questions proposed in lines 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56. How are 
Kiagara Falls like time ? 

Parse " days," in the 64th line. (It is nominative to " pass.") Parse "to 
listen," in the last line. In what mode and tense is " might raise," in the 
72d line ? 

H". B. — The notation of inflections, it is believed, has been sufficiently 
extensive to be useful to the pupil. It is desirable that he should be led 
along, until he can safely trust to his own judgment. Having become 
acquainted with the general principles, and having received such assist- 
ance as may be necessary in the early stage of this study, he will thence- 
forth learn more by practicing in simple reliance upon his own judgment 
and taste, with such assistance and correction as his teacher may, from 
time to time, deem appropriate, than he would from any number of lessons 
already marked with proper emphasis and inflections. Persevering atten- 
tion to this subject, however, both on the part of the pupil and the teacher, 
is necessary, in order to secure the desired result. 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



151 



ARTICULATION. 

Qrb'd, -prob'dst, troubldst, troubles, troubl'st, ribs, robb'st, handl'd, 
fondl'st, breadths, l&ugh'st, d&rk'ns, d&rk'n'd, d&rk'rfst, d&rh'n'dst, 
$trengt7i'?i f strengtk'ns, strengthn'd, atrengtfi'n'st, strength' nd'st. 



LESSON XLV. 

Articulate distinctly. — Pro-duc'd, not pro-duce : which, not 
wich : when, not wen : per-fect-ly, not per-fec-ly : white-ness, not wiie- 
riess: sounds, not soun's : pal-a-ces, not pal'ces. 



1. Tem'-per-ed, a. softened. 

3. E-the'-re-al, a. heavenly, formed of 

ether. 

Se-ren'-i-ty, n. calmness, quietness. 

Buoy'-an-cy, n, (pro. bwoy-an-cy) 

lightness. 

En-chant -ment, n. the use of spells 

or charms. 

Col-on-nades', «. rows of columns. 

Ra-di-ance', n. brightness. 



4. Pa-vil'-ion, n. a tent, here a kind of 
tower on the top of the castle. 
Par'-a-pet, n. a wall or elevation 
raised to keep off shot. 

5. Cast'-a-net, n. an instrument of music 
made of hollowed ivory shells. 
Cav-a-lier', n. a gay military man, a 
knight. 

6. Rev'-er-ie, n. a loose, irregular train 
of thought 



THE ALHAMBRA BY MOONLIGHT. 

[The palace or castle called the Alhambra, consists of the remains of a very 
extensive and ancient pile of buildings in Spain, erected by the Moors when they 
were rulers of the country.] 

1. I have given a picture of my ^apartment on my first taking 
possession of it : a few evenings have produced a thorough change 
in the scene and in my feelings. The moon, which then was 
invisible, has gradually gained upon the nights, and now rolls in 
full + splendor above the towers, pouring a flood of tempered light 
into every court and hall. The garden beneath my window, is 
gently lighted up; the orange and citron trees are tipped with 
silver; the fountain sparkles in the moonbeams; and even the 
blush of the rose is faintly visible. 

2. I have sat for hours at my window, + inhaling the sweetness 
of the garden, and musing on the + checkered features of those 
whose history is dimly shadowed out in the elegant + memorials 



152 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 

around. Sometimes I have issued forth at midnight, when every 
thing was quiet, and have wandered over the whole building. 
Who can do justice to a moonlight night in such a climate, and 
in such a place ! 

3. The + temperature of an Andalusian midnight in summer, is 
perfectly ethereal. We seem lifted up into a purer atmosphere ; 
there is a serenity of soul, a buoyancy of spirits, an elasticity of 
frame, that render mere existence enjoyment. The effect of moon- 
light, too, on the Alhambra, has something like enchantment. 
Every rent and chasm of time, every Smoldering tint and weather 
stain, disappears; the marble resumes its original whiteness ; the 
long colonnades brighten in the moonbeams ; the halls are illumi- 
nated with a softened radiance, until the whole + edifice reminds 
one of the + enchanted palace of an Arabian tale. 

4. At such a time, I have ascended to the little pavilion, called 
the queen's toilet, to enjoy its varied and extensive prospect. To 
the right, the snowy summits of the Sierra Nivada, would gleam, 
like silver clouds, against the darker firmament, and all the outlines 
of the mountain would be softened, yet delicately defined. My 
delight, however, would be to lean over the parapet of the Tecador, 
and gaze down upon Grenada, spread out like a map below me : 
all buried in deep repose, and its white palaces and convents 
sleeping, as it were, in the moonshine. 

5. Sometimes, I would hear the faint sounds of castanets from 
some party of dancers lingering in the Alameda ; at other times, 
I have heard the + dubious tones of a guitar, and the notes of a 
single voice rising from some solitary street, and have pictured 
to myself some youthful cavalier, + serenading his lady's window; 
a + gallant custom of former days, but now sadly on the decline, 
except in the f remote towns and villages of Spain. 

6. Such are the scenes that have detained me for many an hour 
loitering about the courts and balconies of the castle, enjoj'ing 
that mixture of reverie and + sensation which steal away existence 
in a southern climate, and it has been almost, morning before I 
have retired to my bed, and been + lulled to sleep by the falling 
waters of the fountain of Lindaraxa. 

"W". Irvixg. 



Questions. — "What and where is the Alhambra ? Describe the effect 
of moonlight upon its appearance. How did the writer of this lesson 
employ himself at such times ? "Where are the mountains which are 
called Sierra Nivada ? Where is Andalusia ? What is the national 
instrument of the Spaniards ? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SEE1ES. 153 



LESSON XLVI. 

Remark . — "When reading poetry that rhymes, there should be a very 
slight pause after the words that are similar in sound, though the sense 
may not require it, as in the following example, where a slight pause may 
he made after the word rest, which would not be made, if it were prose 
instead of poetry. 

Sweet it is, at eve to rest 

On the flowery meadow's breast. 

Pronounce correctly. — Nature, not na-ter, nor na-tshure: crea-ture, 
not crea-tshure: bough (pro. bou), not bo: con-tin-u-ous, not con-tiiiry- 

ous: fra-grance, not frag-rance. 

m 

1. Grar'-ner-ecl, a. laid up, treasured. 
3. Studs, n. knobs, buds. 
Cleav'-ing, a. dividing. 



4. Rife, a. full, abounding. 

Dim'-ples, n. small depressions. 
Am'-ber, a. yellow. 



APRIL DAY. 



1. All day, the low-hung clouds have dropt 

Their garner' d fullness down; 
All day, that soft, gray mist hath wrapt 

Hill, valley, grove, and town. 
There has not been a sound today 

To break the calm of nature; 
Nor motion, I might almost say, 

Of life, or living creature; 
Of waving + bough, or ''"warbling bird^ 

Or cattle faintly + lowing ; 
I could have half believed I heard 

The leaves and blossoms growing. 

2. I stood to hear, — I love it well — 

The rain's + continuous sound; 
Small drops, but thick and fast they fell ? 

Down straight into the ground. 
For leafy thickness is not yet 

Earth's naked breast to + screen, 
Though every dripping branch is set 

With shoots of tender green. 



154 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

3. Sure, since I look'd, at early morn, 

Those + honey-suckle buds 
Have swelled to double growth; that thorn 

Hath put forth larger studs. 
That lilac's cleaving + cones have burst, 

The milk-white flowers + revealing; 
Even now upon my senses first, 

Methinks their sweets are stealing. 

4. The very earth, the steamy air, 

Are all with + fragrance rife! 
And grace and beauty every where 

Are bursting into life. 
Down, down they come, those + fruitful stores I 

Those earth-rejoicing drops ! 
A + momentary + deluge pours, 

Then thins, decreases, stops. 
And ere the dimples on the stream 

Have circled out of sight, 
Lo ! from the west, a parting + gleam 

Breaks forth of amber light. 

Anonymous. 



Questions. — What season is described in this lesson? What is 
said concerning the stillness.of every thing ? What, concerning the rain? 
What, concerning the appearance of the earth's surface ? What is said 
of the trees and shrubs ? What, of the light ? 

At what pauses in this lesson is the rising inflection proper ? Where, 
the falling inflection ? 

In the 4th stanza, -which are the adjectives ? What does " rife " 
qualify ? Parse " stores " and " drops." Which are the adverbs in the 
same stanza ? Which are the verbs ? Which of them are in the indica- 
tive mood? Which are in the present tense? Which, in a past tense ? 
What interjection is there in this stanza? Why is the interjection so 
called ? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



155 



ARTICULATION. 

Straggling, stretch' d, strand, strength, stress. 

They stretch'd straggling along the strand. He placed the chief 
stress upon strength and alacrity. The enterprize lagg'd and dragg'd 
heavily. The goods were box'd and tax'd. Trac¥st and track'dst are 
from track. 



LESSON XIYII. 

Utter distinctly all the consonants in the following words found in 
this lesson: frequently, rambling, recline, listlessly, rippling, branches, 
abstracted, middle, inscrutable, croaking, cruel, relaps'd, traps, com- 
mingled, grudges, scratch, indispensable, privileges, giggle, crack, 
rattlesnake, inaccessible, composedly. 



1. Can'-o-py, n. a covering over the 
head. 

2. De'-vious, a. out of the common way 
or track. 

Ob-liv'-ion, n. forgetfulness. 
Ru'-mi-nate, v. to meditate, to think. 
Pon'-der, v. to consider, to reflect. 

4. Me-an'-der-ings, n. windings. 

5. Tur-moil', n. a great stir, trouble. 



In-scru'-ta-ble, a. that can not bo 
discovered. 
8. Peer'-ing, p. peeping, looking about 
narrowly. 

17. Im-pale', v. to fix on a sharp instru- 
ment. 

24. A'-e-rie, n. (pro. a'-ry, or e'-ry) the 
nest of birds of prey. 
Com-pla'-cen-cy, n. satisfaction. 



A MORNING RAMBLE. 

I. I frequently spend a morning in the country, + rambling 
alone in the melancholy woods ; sometimes resting myself against 
the bark of a time-worn tree ; sometimes lingering on the woody 
bights looking far over the surrounding world. At other times, I 
recline listlessly by the side of some clear brook, over whose 
rippling way the branches meet, and form nature's choicest 
canopy. 



15G MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

2. Here I indulge my memory and imagination in a thousand 
devious wanderings. I recall the distant shadows of departed 
time that have by degrees faded almost into oblivion, and send my 
mind on errands to the future. At times, I become so completely 
abstracted from the scenes around, as to forget where I am, and to 
lose almost the consciousness of being. I ruminate, I "ponder, and 
I dream. 

3. On one of these occasions, about the middle of the month 
of August, when the + dog-star rages, and all nature sinks into a 
sort of luxurious repose, I had become somewhat tired with a 
ramble longer than usual, and laid myself listlessly along the 
margin of a little + twittering stream, that stole its winding way 
among the deep obscurities of the wood, diffusing coolness, and 
inviting to repose. 

4. Through the arched canopy of foliage that overhung the 
little stream, I could see it coursing its way on each hand among 
the rocks, glittering as if by moonlight, and disappearing after a 
thousand nieanderings. It is impossible, — at least with me it is 
impossible, — to resist the influence of such a scene. Reflecting 
beings like ourselves, sink into a sort of melancholy + reverie, 
under the influence of the hallowed quiet that reigns all around. 

5. As I thus lay, in languid listlessness along the stream, as 
quiet as the leaves that breathed not a whisper above me, I gradu- 
ally sunk into almost + unconsciousness of all the world and all it 
holds. The little birds sported about, careless of my presence, 
and the insects pursued that incessant turmoil, which seems never 
to cease, until winter lays his icy fetters on all nature, and drives 
them into their inscrutable hiding-places. 

6. There is a + lapse in the recollection of the current of my 
thoughts at that moment, a short period of forge tfulness, from 
which I was roused by a hoarse, croaking voice, exclaiming, 
"Cruel, savage monster, what does he here?" I looked all 
around, and could see only a hawk seated on the limb of a dry 
tree, eyeing me, as I fancied, with a peculiar expression of 
hostility. 

7. In a few minutes, I again relapsed into a profound reverie, 
from which I was awakened once more by a small squeaking 
whisper, "I dare say the blood-thirsty villain has been setting 
traps for us." I looked again, and at first sight, could see nothing 
from which I supposed the voice might proceed, but, at the same 
time, imagined that I distinguished a sort of confused whisper, in 
which many little voices seemed + commingled. 

8. My curiosity was awakened, and peering about quietly, I 
found it proceeded from a collection of animals, birds, and insects, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 157 

gathered together for some unaccountable purpose. They seemed 
very much excited, and withal in a great passion about something, 
all talking at once. Listening attentively, I could distinguish one 
from the other. 

9. "Let us + pounce upon the tyrant, and kill him in his sleep," 
cried a bald eagle: "for he grudges me a miserable little lamb 
now and then, though I don't require one above once a week. 
See ! where he wounded me in the wing, so that I can hardly get 
an honest living, by prey." 

10. " Let me scratch his eyes out," screamed a hawk, "for he 
will not allow me peaceably to carry off a chicken from his barn- 
yard, though I am dying of hunger, and come in open day to 
claim my natural, indispensable right." 

11. "Ay, ay," barked the fox, "he interferes in the same base 
manner with my privileges, though I visit his henroost in the 
night, that I may not disturb him." 

12. "Agreed," hissed a rattlesnake, "for he won't let me bite 
him, though he knows it is my nature, and kills me according to 

aire." And thereupon, he rattled his tail, curled himself 
in "spiral volumes, and darted his tongue at me in the most 
fearful manner. 

13. "Agreed," said a great fat spider, which sat in his net, sur- 
rounded by the dead bodies of half a dozen insects, "agreed, for 
the bloody-minded savage takes delight in destroying the fruits of 
my honest labors, on all occasions." 

1-1. "By all means," buzzed a great blue-bottle fly, "for he 
will not let me tickle his nose, of a hot summer day, though he 
must see with half an eye, that it gives me infinite satisfaction." 

15. " Kill him," cried a little ant, that ran foaming and fretting 
about at a furious rate, " kill him without mercy, for he do n't 
mind treading me into a million of atoms, a bit more than you do 
killing a fly," addressing the spicier. "The less you say about 
that, the better," whispered the spider. 

16. "Odds fish!" exclaimed a beautiful trout, that I should 
like very much to have caught, popping his head out of the brook, 
" Odds fish! kill the monster by all means; hook him, I say, 
for he entices me with worms, and devours me to gratify his 
"''insatiable appetite." 

17. "To be sure," said a worm, "kill him as he sleeps, and I'll 
eat him afterward; for though I am acknowledged on all hands to 
be his brother, he impales me alive on a hook, only for his 
aiuH.^enieut." 



158 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

18. " I consent," cooed the dove, " for he has deprived me of 
my mate, and made me a disconsolate widow." Upon which, she 
began to mourn so piteously, that the whole assembly deeply 
+ sympathized in her forlorn condition. 

19. " He has committed a million of murders," cried the spider. 
" He drowns all my kittens," mewed the cat. " He tramples 
upon me without mercy," whispered the toad, " only because I'm 
no beauty." "He is a treacherous, cunning villain," barked the 
fox. u He has no more mercy than a wolf," screamed the hawk. 
" He is a bloody tyrant/' croaked the eagle. " He is the common 
enemy of all nature, and deserves a hundred and fifty thousand 
deaths," exclaimed they all in one voice. 

20 I began to be heartily ashamed of myself, and was casting 
about how I might slip away from hearing these pleasant re- 
proaches ; but curiosity and listlessness together kept me quiet, 
while they continued to + discuss the best mode of destroying tfee 
tyrant. There was, as is usual in such cases, great diversity of 
opinion, 

21. " I '11 bury my talons in his brain," said the eagle. " I '11 
tear his eyes out," screamed the hawk. "I'll whip him to death 
with my tail," barked the fox. " I'll sting hiin home," hissed the 
rattlesnake. " I '11 poison him," said the spider. "I'll fly-blow 
him," buzzed the fly. " I '11 drown him, if he '11 only come into 
my brook, so I will," quoth the trout. 

22. "I'll drag him into my hole, and do his business there, I 
warrant," said the ant ; and thereupon there was a giggle among 
the whole set. " And I '11 — I '11 " — said the worm. " What will 
you do, you poor Satan ? " exclaimed the rest in a titter. "What 
will I do ? Why I '11 eat him after he 's dead," replied sir worm ; 
and then he strutted about, until he + unwarily came so near that 
he slipped into the brook, and was snapped up in a moment by the 
trout. 

23. The example was + contagious. "Oho! you are for that 
sport," mewed the cat, and clawed the trout before he could get 
his head under water. " Tit for tat," barked Reynard, and snatch- 
ing pussy up in his teeth, was off like a shot. "Since 'ti3 the 
fashion," said the spider, " I '11 have a crack at that same blue- 
bottle," and thereupon he nabbed the poor fly in a twinkling. 
"By your leave," said the toad, and snapped up the spider in less 
than no time. " You ugly thief of the world," hissed the rattle- 
snake in great wrath, and + indignantly laying hold of the toad, 
managed to swallow him about half way, where he lay in all his 
glory. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 159 

24. " What a nice morsel for my poor fatherless ones," cooed 
the dove, and, pecking at the ant, was just flying away with it in 
quite a + sentimental style, when the hawk, seeing this, screamed 
out, " what a pretty plump dove for a dinner ! Providence has or- 
dained that I should eat her." He was carrying her off, when the 
eagle darted upon him, and soaring to his aerie on the summit of 
an + inaccessible rock, composedly made a meal of both hawk and 
dove. Then picking his teeth with his claws, he exclaimed with 
great complacency, " What a glorious thing it is to be king of 
birds!" 

25. " Humph," exclaimed I, rubbing my eyes, for it seemed I 
had been half asleep, " humph, a man is not so much worse than 
his neighbors, after all," and shaking off the spell that was over 
me, bent my steps homeward, wondering why it was, that it seemed 
as if all living things were created for the sole purpose of "hpreying 
on each other. 

Paulding. 

Questions. — By what authority does man hold dominion over ani- 
mals? Does this include the right to torture them, or to kill them unneces- 
sarily ? Under what circumstances is it right to kill them ? On what 
account are the animals, in this fable, supposed to be incensed at man ? 
How did they show, by their own conduct, the folly of finding fault with 
others ? When we see faults in others, where should our attention be 
directed? In what way can we make the best use of the faults of others? 



TO TEACHERS. 

Frequent examination in grammatical construction will add interest to the 
reading lesson, and will be highly profitable to the pupil. A few ques- 
tions of this kind are occasionally inserted in this book, merely as exam- 
ples of the manner of conducting this exercise. This and all the collateral 
exercises should receive due attention, for this alone will redeem the read- 
ing exercise from its usual prosy and monotonous character, and give to it 
proper variety, interest, and profit. 



160 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



ARTICULATION. 

Truly, trusty, thrifty, throttl'd, through, thrall. 

Truly he is trusty and thrifty. The brute was with difficulty throttl'd. 
Through the storm and danger's thrall. He has many cents, and but 
little sense. The prince bought some prints. 



LESSON XIVIII. 

Pronounce correctly. — Mel-an-chol-y, not mel-un-chul-y : mead- 
ows, not mead-ers: hol-lows, not hol-luz: rust-le, pro. rus'l: beau-te-ous, 
not beau-che-ous : up-land, not up-lund : youth-ful, not youth-f'l: cold, 
not cole : moist, not mois : friend, not fren : flowers, not jlow-uz. 



1. Wail'-ing, a. lamenting, mourning. I 3. Glade, n. an open place in tho forest. 
Sear, a. dry, withered. I Glen, n. a valley, a dale. 



THE DEATH OF THE FLOWERS. 

1. The + melancholy days are come, 

The saddest of the year, 
Of wailing winds, and naked woods, 

And + meadows, brown and sear. 
Heaped in the hollows of the grove, 

The withered leaves lie dead ; 
They rustle to the + eddying gust, 

And to the rabbit's tread. 
The robbin and the wren have flown, 

And from the shrub the jay, 
And from the wood-top calls the crow 

Through all the gloomy day. 

2. Where are the flowers, the fair young flowers, 

That lately sprang and stood 
In brighter light and softer airs, 

A + beauteous + sisterhood? 
Alas ! they all are in their graves ; 

The gentle race of flowers 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 161 

Are lying in their lowly beds, 

With the fair and good of ours. 
The rain is falling where they lie, 

But the cold November rain 
Calls not from out the gloomy earth 

The lovely ones again. 

3. The wall-flower and the violet, 

They perished long ago, 
And the brier-rose and the + orchis died 

Amid the summer's glow; 
But on the hill, the golden rod, 

And the aster in the wood, 
And the yellow sun-flower by the brook 

In autumn beauty stood, 
Till fell the frost from the clear, cold heaven, 

As falls the plague on men, 
And the brightness of their smile was gone 

From + upland, glade, and glen. 

4. And now, when comes the calm, mild day, 

As still such days will come, 
To call the squirrel and the bee 

From out their winter home; 
When the sound of dropping nuts is heard, 

Though all the trees are still, 
And "*" twinkle in the + smoky light 

The waters of the ***rill, 
The south wind + searches for the flowers 

Whose + fragrance late he bore, 
And sighs to find them in the wood 

And by the stream no more. 

5. And then I think of one, who in 

Her youthful beauty died, 
The fair, meek "^blossom that grew up 

And + faded by my side ; 
In the cold, moist earth we laid her, 

When the forest cast the leaf, 
And We wept that one so lovely 

Should have a life so + brief : 
Yet not + unmeet it was that one, 

Like that young friend of ours, 
So gentle and so + beautiful, 

Should + perish with the flowers. 

W. C. Bryant. 
14 



102 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Questions. — To -what season of the year do these lines refer? Why 
are they called the melancholy days ? How are the woods and leaves 
described ? "What is meant by the " eddying gust ? " What birds are 
common at this season ? What flowers are mentioned as having died one 
after the other ? What is said about the squirrel, and the bee, and the 
nuts ? What is said of the south wind ? Describe, in your own language, 
the event referred to, in the last stanza. 

Explain the inflections, and point out the emphatic words in this lesson. 

Parse "To call," in the 4th stanza. Parse "twinkle" in the same. 
(It has "waters " for its nominative.) Name all the adjectives in the 1st 
stanza, and compare each. Which verbs in the last stanza are in the 
potential mood ? Which are the adjectives in the same stanza, and what 
docs each one qualify ? What does th^ word adjective mean. 



LESSON XLIX. 

Remark. — Avoid reading in a faint and low tone. This is a very 
common fault, and should be carefully guarded against. 

Pronounce correctly. — Trow (pro. tro), not trou: gath-ers, not 
geth-uz: to'-ward, not to-ward': un-heard (pro. un-lierd), not un-heerd. 



i. Trow, v. suppose, think. 

Trap'-pings, n. ornaments, [person. 
2. Iui'-be-cile, n. (pro. im'-be-cil) a sick 



3. In-ter-ve'-ned, p. situated between. 

4. Tint'-ings, n. colorings. 

5. Sti'-fled, v. suppressed, checked. 



IT SNOWS. 

1. "It snows I" cries the School-boy, "Hurrah \ n and his shout 

Is ringing through parlor and hall, 
While swift as the wing of a swallow, he's out, 

And his playmates have answered his call ; 
It makes the heart leap but to witness their joy, 

Proud wealth has no pleasures, I trow, 
Like the + rapture that throbs in the pulse of the boy, 

As he gathers his "^treasures of snow; 
Then lay not the trappings of gold on thine heirs, 
While health, and the riches of nature, are theirs. 

2. "It snows ! " sighs the Imbecile, " Ah ! " and his breath 

Comes heavy, as "^clogged with a weight; 
While, from the pale + aspect of nature in death, 
He turns to the blaze of bis grate ; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 163 

And nearer and nearer, his soft-cushioned chair 

Is wheeled toward the life-giving flame ; 
He dreads a chill puff of the snow-burdened air, 

Lest it wither his + delicate frame ; 
Oh ! small is the pleasure + existence can give, 
When the fear we shall die only proves that we live ! 

H. u It snows ! " cries the Traveler, " Ho ! " and the word 

Has quickened his steed's + lagging pace; 
The wind rushes by, but its howl is unheard 

Unfelt the sharp drift in his face ; 
For bright through the tempest his own home appeared, 

Ay, though leagues intervened, he can see : 
There 's the clear, glowing hearth, and the table prepared, 

And his wife with her babes at her knee ; 
Blest thought ! how it lightens the grief-laden hour, 
That those we love dearest are safe from its power ! 

4, " It snows ! " cries the Belle, u Dear, how lucky ! " and turns 

From her mirror to watch the flakes fall ; 
Like the first rose of summer, her + dimpled cheek burns, 

While musing on sleigh-ride and ball : 
There are visions of conquests, of "^splendor, and mirth, 

Floating over each drear winter's day • 
But the tintings of Hope, on this storm-beaten earth, 

Will melt like the .snowflakes away : 
Turn, turn thee to Heaven, fair maiden, for bliss ; 
That world has a pure + fount ne'er opened in this. 

5. " It snows ! " cries the Widow, " Oh G-od ! " and her sighs 

Have stifled the voice of her prayer ; 
Its burden ye '11 read in her tear-swollen eyes, 

On her cheek sunk with fasting and care. 
'T is night, and her fatherless ask her for bread ; 

But " He gives the young ravens their food," 
And she trusts, till her dark hearth adds + horror to dread, 

And she lays on her last chip of wood. 
Poor + sufferer ! that sorrow thy God only knows ; 
'T is a most bitter lot to be poor, when it snows ! 

Mrs. S. J. Hale. 



Questions. — Why does tlie school-boy rejoice when it snows? 
Why does the sick man receive no pleasure from the same source ? What 
feelings are excited in him by the snow storm ? What effect does it have 
upon the traveler, and what does he think about ? Why does the belle 
congratulate herself, and of what are her dreams ? What are the poor 
widow's troubles in a time like this ? 



164 



M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



In the last stanza, for what does " ye '11 " and " 't is " stand ? Parse 
"sunk" in the 4th line of that stanza. Parse "sufferer." Which are the 
proper nouns in the same stanza ? "Which are the common nouns ? 



ARTICULATION. 

Trebly, swell'd, trellis, trailers, tressP, trundl'd. 
Their shouts now trebly swell'd the gale. 



with trailers. The trestle was trundl'd in. 
the trump of fame. 



The trellis was covered 
The shout of triumph and 



LESSON L. 

Articulate all the consonants in the following and similar words 
in this lesson : fresh, Hindoostan, swiftly, sprinkled, fragrance, prim- 
rose, tempted, thickets, greatest, prospect, overspread, remembrance, 
resolved, prostrated, torrents, gratitude, occurrences, escapes, entangle, 
labyrinth. 



Car-a-van'-sa-ry, n. a kind of inn 
where caravans or large companies 
of traders rest at night. 
Ma-an'-ders, m. windings, or turnings. 
Cir-eum-vo-lu'-tion, n. a winding or 
flowing round. [the right way. 

De-vi-a'-tion, n. a turning aside from 



9. Sa'-ber, n. a kind of sword. 

12. Mit-i-ga'-tion, n. lessening the pain 
or harshness of any thing unpleas- 
ant. 

14. Im-merge', v. to plunge into. 

Lab'-y-rinth, n. a place full of wind- 
ing passages. 



A PICTURE OF HUMAN LIFE. 

1. Obidah, the son of Abensina, left the caravansary early in 
the morning, and pursued his journey through the plains of Hin- 
doostan. He was fresh and vigorous with rest ; he was animated 
with hope ; he was + incited by desire : he walked swiftly forward 
over the valleySj and saw the hills gradually rising before him. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 165 

'2. As lie passed along, his ears were delighted with the morning 
song of the bird of paradise; he was fanned by the last flutters of 
the sinking breeze, and sprinkled with dew by groves of spices; 
he sometimes + contemplated the towering bight of the oak, mon- 
arch of the hills; and sometimes caught the gentle f fragrance of 
the primrose, eldest daughter of the spring : all his senses were 
gratiiied ; and all care was banished from his heart. 

3. Thus he went on till the sun approached his + meridian, and 
the increasing heat preyed upon his strength; he then looked 
round about him for some more commodious path. He saw, on 
his right hand, a grove, that seemed to wave its shades as a sign 
of invitation: he entered it. and found the coolness and verdure 
irresistibly pleasant. He did not, however, forget whither he was 
traveling, but found a narrow way, bordered with flowers, which 
appeared to have the same direction with the main road, and was 
pleased, that, by this happy + experiment, he had found means to 
unite pleasure with business, and to gain the rewards of diligence 
without suffering its fatigues. 

4. He, therefore, still continued to walk for a time, without the 
least remission of his ardor, except that he was sometimes tempted 
to stop by the music of the birds, which the heat had assembled 
in the shade, and sometimes amused himself with plucking the 
flowers that covered the banks on each side, or the fruits that 
hung upon the branches. At last, the green path began to decline 
from its first tendency, and to wind among the hills and thickets, 
cooled with fountains, and * murmuring with "*" waterfalls. 

5. Here Obidah paused for a time, and began to consider, 
whether it was longer safe to forsake the known and common 
track; but, remembering that the heat was now in its greatest 
violence, and that the plain was dusty and uneven, he resolved to 
pursue the new path, which he supposed only to make a few mean- 
ders, in compliance with the varieties of the ground, and to end at 
last in the common road. 

6. Having thus calmed his f solicitude, he renewed his pace, 
though he suspected he was not gaining ground. This uneasiness 
of his mind inclined him to lay hold on every new object, and 
give way to every sensation that might soothe or divert him. He 

led to every * echo, he mounted every hill for a fresh pros- 
pect, he tamed aside to every cascade, and pleased himself with 

og the course of a gentle river, that rolled among the trees- 
and watered a large region, with innumerable circumvolut: )B& 

7. In these amusements, the hours passed away uncounted; his 
deviations had perplexed his memory, and he knew not toward 



166 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH 



what point to travel. He stood pensive and confused, afraid to m 
forward lest he should go wrong, yet conscious that the time or 
+ loitering was now past. While he was thus tortured with uncer- 
tainty, the sky was overspread with clouds, the day vanished from 
before him, and a sudden tempest gathered round his head. 

8. He was now roused, by his danger, to a quick and painful 
remembrance of his folly; he now saw how happiness is lost 
when ease is consulted; he lamented the unmanly impatience that 
prompted him to seek shelter in the grove, and despised the petty 
curiosity that led him on from trifle to trifle. While he was thus 
reflecting, the air grew blacker, and a clap of thunder broke his 
meditation. 

9. He now resolved to do what remained yet in his power; to 
tread back the ground which he had passed, and try to find some 
+ issue, where the wood might open into the plain. He prostrated 
himself upon the ground, and commended his life to the Lord of 
nature. He rose with confidence and tranquillity, and pressed on 
with his saber in his hand ; for the beasts of the desert were in 
motion, and on every hand were heard the mingled howls of rage, 
and fear, and ravage, and expiration : all the horrors of darkness 
and solitude surrounded him ; the winds roared in the woods, and 
the + torrents tumbled from the hills. 

10. Thus, forlorn and distressed, he wandered through the wild, 
without knowing whither he was going, or whether he was every 
moment drawing nearer to safety or to destruction. At length, 
not fear, but labor, began to overcome him ; his breath grew short, 
and his knees trembled, and he was on the point of lying down, 
in resignation to his fate, when he beheld, through the brambles, 
the glimmer of a taper. He advanced toward the light, and find 
ing that it proceeded from the cottage of a hermit, he called hum. 
bly at the door, and obtained admission. The old man set before 
him such provisions as he had collected for himself, on which 
Obidah fed with eagerness and gratitude. 

11. When the repast was over, "Tell me," said the hermit, 
"by what chance thou hast been brought hither : I have been now 
twenty years an inhabitant of this wilderness, in which I never 
saw a man before. " Obidah then related the + occurrences of his 
journey, without any concealment or palliation. 

12. "Son," said the hermit, "let the errors and follies, the 
dangers and escapes, of this day, sink deep into thy heart. Re- 
member, my son, that human life is the journey of a day. We 
rise in the morning of youth, full of vigor, and full of expecta- 
tion ; we set forward with spirit and hope, with gayety and with 



OF THE ECLECTIC SEEIES. 167 

diligence, and travel on awhile in the straight road of piety, 
toward the mansions of rest. In a short time we remit our fer- 
vor, and endeavor to find some mitigation of our duty, and some 
more easy means of obtaining the same end. 

13. '-'We then relax our vigor, and resolve no longer to be 
terrified with crimes at a distance, but rely upon our own con- 
stancy, and venture to approach what we resolve never to touch. 
We thus enter the bowers of ease, and repose in the shades of 
security. Here the heart softens, and + vigilance subsides: we 
are then willing to inquire whether another advance can not be 
made, and whether we may not, at least, turn cur eyes upon the 
gardens of pleasure. We approach them with scruple and hesita- 
tion; we enter them, but enter + timorous and trembling, and 
always hope to pass through them without losing the road of 
virtue, which we, for awhile, keep in our sight, and to which we 
propose to return. 

14. li But temptation succeeds temptation, and one ^compliance 
prepares us for another; we, in time, lose the happiness of inno- 
cence, and solace our disquiet with sensual gratifications. By 
degrees we let fall the remembrance of our original intention, and 
quit the only adequate object of rational desire. "We entangle 
ourselves in business, immerge ourselves in luxury, and rove 
through the labyrinths of + inconstancy, till the darkness of old 
age begins to invade us, and disease and anxiety obstruct our way. 
We then look back upon our lives with horror, with sorrow, and 
with repentance ; and wish, but too often vainly wish, that we had 
not forsaken the paths of virtue. 

15. " Happy are they, my son, who shall learn, from thy ex- 
ample, not to despair, but shall remember, that, though the day is 
past, and their strength is wasted, there yet remains one effort to 
be made ; that reformation is never hopeless, nor sincere endeavors 
ever unassisted ; that the wanderer may at length return, after all 
his errors. And that he, who ^implores strength and courage from 
above, shall find danger and difficulty give way before him. Go 
now, my son, to thy repose j commit thyself to the care of '''Om- 
nipotence : and, when the morning calls again to toil, begin anew 
thy journey and thy life." 

Dr. Johnson. 



Questions. — What species of composition is this lesson? Eelate 
the story of Obidah. What moral did the hermit derive from these events? 
la it because we have but fe^v men who are capable of becoming great, that 
so fevr distinguish themselves ? What is the reason ? 



168 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



In the last sentence of the 11th paragraph, which word is the subject, 
or in the nominative case ? Which words are the objects, or in the objec- 
tive case ? Of what is "occurrence," the object ? Of what is "journey," 
the object ? " Concealment," and "palliation ?" What is the grammati- 
cal, and what the general attribute ? See Pinneo's Analytical Grammar 



LESSON II. 

Remark . — Take care not to let the voice become faint as you approach 
the close of a sentence, but give each word its proper force and emphasis. 

Articulate distinctly. — Mis-er-ies, not misWies: sin-gu-lar, not 
sing' 'lar : fa-tal-i-ty, not fa-taVty : pros-per-ous, not pros-p'rous : stead- 
i-ly, not stead' bj : ac-ci-dent, not ac-s'de?it: shud-der-ing, not ekud'rm : 
es-cape, not 'scape: Prov-i-dence, not Providence: mis-er-a-ble, not 
mis'ra-ble : in-def-i-nite, not in-def'nite. 



2. Fa-tal'-i-ty, n. a fixed course of things- 

3. Reef'-ed, p. having a portion of the 
sails folded up and made fast to the 
yard. [side. 
Gun'-wale,n. the upper edgo of aship's 

4. Iin-mer'-sion, n. the act of plunging 
into a fluid until covered. 

8. Sock'-ets, n, hollow places which re- 
ceive something. 



9. Re-it'-er-a-ted, jo, repeated again 

and again. 
11. Mar'-i-ners, n. seaman. 
13. Lee'-ward, n. the part toward which 

the wind blows. 
16. Stream'-er-ed, p. filled with narrow 

stripes, like flags ox streamers. 
18. Fluc-tu-a'-tion, n. a rising and fall 

ing of the waves. 



REMARKABLE PRESERVATION. 

1. You have often asked me to describe to you on paper an 
event in my life, to which, at the distance of thirty years I can not 
look back without horror. No words can give an + adequate image 
of the miseries I suffered during that fearful night ; but I shall 
try to give you something like a faint shadow of them ; that from 
it your soul may conceive what I must have suffered. 

2. I was, you know, on my voyage hack to my native country, 
after an absence of five years spent in + unremitting toil in a 
foreign land, to which I had been driven by a singular fatality. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 169 

Our voyage had been most cheerful and prosperous, and, on Christ- 
mas day, we were within fifty leagues of port. Passengers and 
crew were all in the highest spirits, and the ship was alive with 
mirth and jollity. 

3. The ship was sailing at the rate of seven knots an hour. A 
strong snow storm blew, but steadily and without danger; and the 
ship kept boldly on her course, close-reefed, and mistress of the 
storm. While leaning over the gunwale, admiring the water rush- 
ing by like a foaming + cataract, by some unaccountable accident, 
I lost my balance, and, in an instant, fell overboard into the sea. 

4. I remember a convulsive shuddering all over my body, and a 
hurried leaping of my heart, as I felt myself about to lose hold of 
the vessel, and afterward a sensation of the most icy chilliness, 
from immersion in the waves, but nothing resembling a fall or 
^precipitation. When below the water, I think that a momentary 
belief rushed across my mind, that the ship had suddenly sunk, and 
that I was but one of a perishing crew. I imagined that I felt a 
hand, with long fingers, clutching at my legs, and made violent 
efforts to escape, dragging after me, as I thought, the body of some 
drowning wretch. 

5. On rising to the surface, I recollected, in a moment, what 
had befallen me, and uttered a cry of horror, which is in my ears 
to this day, and often makes me shudder, as if it were the mad 
shriek of another person in extremity of perilous agony. Often 
have I dreamed over again that dire moment, and the cry I utter 
in my sleep, is said to be something more horrible than a human 
voice. No ship was to be seen. She was gone forever. 

6. The little, happy world to which, a moment before, I had 
belonged, had been swept by, and I felt that God had flung me at 
once from the heart of joy, delight, and happiness, into the utter- 
most "♦"abyss of mortal misery and despair. Yes ! I felt that the 
Almighty Grod had done this, that this was an act, a fearful act of 
Providence, and miserable worm that I was, I thought that the act 
was cruel, and a sort of wild, indefinite, objectless rage and wrath 
assailed me, and took for awhile, the place of that first shrieking 
terror. I gnashed my teeth, and cursed myself, and with bitten 
tears and yells, blasphemed the name of Grod. 

7. It is true, my friend, that I did so. Grod forgave that wick- 
edness. The Being, whom I then cursed, was in his tender mercy, 
not unmindful of me, of me, a poor, blind, miserable, mistaken 
worm. But the waves dashed over me, and struck me on the face, 
and howled at me ; and the winds yelled, and the snow beat like 
+ drifting sand into my eyes, and the ship, the ship was gone, and 
there was I left to struggle, and buffet, and gasp, and sink, and 

15 



170 

perish, alone, unseen, and unpitied by man, and, as I thought too, 
by the everlasting God. 

8. I tried to penetrate the surrounding darkness with my glar- 
ing eyes, that felt as if leaping from their sockets; and saw, as if by 
miraculous power, to a great distance through the night; but no 
ship; nothing but white -crested waves, and the dismal noise of 
thunder. 

9. I shouted, shrieked, and yelled, that I might be heard by the 
crew, till my voice was gone, and that, too, when I knew that there 
were none to hear me. At last I became utterly speechless, and, 
when I tried to call aloud, there was nothing but a silent gasp and 
convulsion, while the waves came upon me like + stunning blows, 
reiterated, and drove me along like a log of wood or a dead animal. 

10. All this time, I was not conscious of any act of swimming ; 
but I soon found that I had instinctively been exerting all my 
power and skill, and both were requisite to keep me alive in the 
tumultuous wake of the ship. Something struck me harder than 
a wave. What it was I knew not, but I grasped it with a passion- 
ate violence; for the hope of salvation came suddenly over rue, 
and with a sudden transition from despair, I felt that I was 
+ rescued. 

llo I had the same thought as if I had been suddenly heaved 
on shore by a wave. The crew had thrown overboard every thing 
they thought could afford me the slightest chance of escape from 
death, and a hencoop had drifted toward me. At once, all the 
stories I had ever read, of mariners miraculously saved at sea, 
rushed across my recollection. I had an object to cling to, which 
I knew would + prolong my existence. 

12. I was no longer helpless on the cold + weltering world of 
waters; and the thought that my friends were thinking of me, 
and doing all they could for me, gave to me a wonderful courage. 
I may yet pass the night in the ship, I thought; and I looked 
round eagerly to hear the rush of her prow, or to see through the 
snowdrift the gleaming of her sails. 



13. Thjs was but a momentary gladness. The ship, I knew, 
could not be far off, but, for any good she could do me, she might 
as well have been in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. Ere she 
could have altered her course, I must have drifted a long way to 
leeward, and in that dim, snowy night, how was such a speck to 
be seen ? I saw a flash of lightning, and then, there was thunder. 
It was the ship firing a gun, to let me know, if still alive, that 
she was somewhere lying to. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 171 

14. But wherefore ? I was separated from her by a dire neces- 
sity, by many thousand fierce waves, that would not let my shrieks 
be heard. Each succeeding gun was heard fainter and fainter, till 
at last, I cursed the sound that, scarcely heard above the hollow 
rumbling of the + tempestuous sea, told me that the ship was fur- 
ther and further off, till she and her heartless crew had left me to 
my fate. 

15. Why did they not send out all their boats to row round and 
round all that night through, for the sake of one whom they pre- 
tended to love so well? I blamed, blessed, and cursed them by 
fits, till every emotion of my soul was + exhausted, and 1 clung in 
sullen despair, to the wretched piece of wood, that still kept me 
from eternity. 

16. Every thing was now seen in its absolute, dreadful reality, 
I was a castaway, with no hope of rescue. It was broad daylight, 
and the storm had ceased; but clouds lay round the "'"horizon, and 
no land was to be seen. What dreadful clouds ! Some black as 
pitch, and charged with thunder; others like cliffs of fire, and 
here and there all streamered over with blood. It was, indeed, a 
sullen, wrathful, and + despairing sky. 

17. The sun itself was a dull, brazen orb, cold, dead, and beam- 
iess. I beheld three ships afar off, but all their heads were turned 
away from me. For whole hours, they would adhere motionless 
to the sea, while I drifted away from them ; and then a rushing 
wind would spring up, and carry them, one by one, into the dark- 
ness of the stormy distance. Many birds came close to me, as if 
to flap me with their large spreading wings, screamed round and 
round me, and then flew away in their strength, and beauty, and 
happiness. 

18. I now felt myself indeed dying. A calm came over me. I 
prayed devoutly for forgiveness of my sins, and for all my friends 
on earth. A ringing was in my ears, and I remember only the 
hollow fluctuations of the sea with which I seemed to be blended, 
and a sinking down and down an " ! " unfathomable depth, which I 
thought was Death, and into the kingdom of the eternal Future. 

19. I awoke from insensibility and + oblivion, with a hideous 
racking pain in my head and loins, and in a place of utter dark- 
ness. I heard a voice say, "Praise the Lord/' My + agony was 
dreadful, and I cried aloud. Wan, glimmering, melancholy lights, 
kept moving to and fro. I heard dismal whisperings, and now 
and then, a pale, silent ghost glided by. A hideous din was over- 
head, and around me the fierce dashing of the waves. Was I in 
the land of spirits ? 



172 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

20. But why try to recount the mortal pain of my recovery, 
the soul-humbling gratitude that took possession of my being ? I 
was lying in the cabin of a ship, and kindly tended by a humane 
and skillful man. I had been picked up, + apparently dead, and 
cold. The hand of God was there. Adieu, my dear friend. It 
is now the hour of rest, and I hasten to fall down on my knees 
before the merciful Being who took pity upon me, and who, at the 
+ intercession of our Redeemer, may, I hope, pardon all my sins. 

Prof. Wilson. 



Question s . — Narrate this story in your own language. "What "were 
the Professor's feelings when he first fell into the water ? What did he 
imagine was clutching at his heels ? How did he act upon rising to the 
surface ? How did he escape a watery grave ? 

Parse the first "one" in the 17th paragraph. "Try," in the 20th. 
Which is the principal verb of the first sentence in the 19th paragraph ? 
What three verbs in the second sentence of the same paragraph ? What 
two in the third ? 



TO TEACHERS. 
The teacher is once more reminded of the importance of thorough and 
frequent practice of the Exercises on Articulation which are placed be- 
tween the lessons in this book. The pupil should utter the elementary 
sounds of each difficult word before reading the sentences containing them. 
A few such words are placed at the head of each exercise. For example, 
in the next page the sounds should be uttered thus : tr-a-v-e-ld, traveVd : 
tr-a-cts, tracts, &c. Where several consonants come together, they should 
be uttered as one sound ; as, tr, Id, cts. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



173 



AKTICULATION. 

Travel' d, tracts, territory, transition, tragic. 

"We travel' 'd through extensive tracts of territory. The transition was 
extreme and sudden. Proofs of the crime of an irrefragable nature can 
be produced. The tragic nature of the scene seem'd rather attractive 
than repulsive. 



LESSON III. 

Pronounce correctly. — Fool-ish, not full-ish : sud-den-ly, not sud- 
din-ly: nei-ther, or ny-iher: swal-low-eth, not swalrler-eth : up-ward, 
not up-wud : chast-en-ing, pro. chase-ning. 



2. De-vi'-ces, n. contrivances. 

Craft'-i-ness, n. cunning, artfulness. 
Coun'-sel, n. deliberations, designs. 
Fro'ward, n, disobedient. 



Grope, v, to search by feeling in the 
dark. 
5. TaV-er-na-cle, n. a temporary dwell- 
ing place. 



DIVINE PROVIDENCE. 

Call now, if there be any that will answer thee ; 
And to which of the saints wilt thou turn ? 
For wrath killeth the foolish man, 
And envy slayeth the silly one. 
I have seen the foolish taking root : 
But suddenly I cursed his + habitation. 
His children are far from safety, 
And they are crushed in the gate, 
Neither is there any to deliver them. 
Whose harvest the hungry eateth up 
And taketh it even out of the thorns, 
And the robber swalloweth up their substance. 
Although + affliction cometh not forth of the dust, 



174 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Neither doth trouble spring out of the ground : 
Yet man is born unto + trouble, 
As the sparks fly upward. 

2- I would seek unto God, 

And unto God would I commit my cause : 

Who doeth great things and + unsearchable; 

+ Marvelous things without number : 

Who giveth rain upon the earth, 

And sendeth waters upon the fields : 

To set up on high those that be low ; 

That those which mourn may be exalted to safety. 

He disappointeth the devices of the + crafty, 

So that their hands can not perform their + enterprise : 

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness : 

And the counsel of the froward is carried headlong : 

They meet with darkness in the daytime, 

And grope in the noonday as in the night. 

But he saveth the poor from the sword, 

From their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty 

So the poor hath hope, 

And + iniquity stoppeth her mouth. 

3 Behold ! happy is the man whom God correcteth : 

Therefore despise not thou the + chastening of the Almighty: 

For he maketh sore, and bindeth up : 

He woundeth, and his hands make whole. 

He shall deliver thee in six troubles : 

Yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. 

In famine, he shall + redeem thee from death : 

And in war, from the power of the sword. 

Thou shalt be hid from the + scourge of the tongue : 

Neither shalt thou be afraid of + destruction when it cometh. 

At destruction and * famine thou shalt laugh : 

Neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 

For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field : 

And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. 

And thou shalt know that thy + tabernacle shall be in peace ; 

And thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. 

Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, 

And thine + offspring as the grass of the earth. 

Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, 

Like as a + shock of corn cometh in, in his season. 

Lo! this, we have searched it, so it is; 

Hear it, and know thou it for thy good. 

Bible. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



175 



Questions. — "Who is meant by the foolish man ? Why are the 
wicked called foolish ? What advice is given in this lesson to Job ? 
What is the proper effect of divine chastisement ? 

What interjections are there in the 3d paragraph ? What prepositions 
in the last four lines ? 



LESSON IIII. 

Remark. — As each one reads, let each scholar in the class mention 
every syllable that is pronounced wrong, and correct it. 

Utter the final g distinctly in the following words in this lesson : 
blazing, endeavoring, listening, wasting, surrounding, gathering, driv- 
ing, neighboring, herring, swellings, tidings, ministering, defending, 
frowning, barking, continuing, giving, darling, springing. 



1. Fag'-ots, n. bundles of sticks and 
small branches used for fuel. 

Prat' -tie, n. trifling talk. 
Dis'-si-pate, v, to scatter, to disperse. 

2. Pu'-ny, a. small and weak. [life. 
4. Pil'-grim-age, n. the j ourney of human 



7. Com-pli-ca'-tion, n. the act mingling 
together several things. 
Sym'-pa-thies, n. compassion. 

9. Gush'-ed, v. flowed copiously. 

Man'-na, n, food miraculously pro- 
vided by God for the Israelites. 



THE RIGHTEOUS NEVER FORSAKEN. 

1. It was Saturday night, and the widow of the Pine Cottage 
sat by her blazing fagots, with her five tattered children at her 
side, endeavoring by iistening to the + artlessness of their prattle, 
to dissipate the heavy gloom that pressed upon her mind. For a 
year, her own feeble hand had provided for her helpless family, 
for she had no supporter : she thought of no friend in all the wide, 
unfriendly world around. 

2. But that + mysterious Providence, the wisdom of whose 
ways is above human comprehension, had visited her with wasting 
sickness, and her little means had become + exhausted. It was 
now, too, midwinter, and the snow lay heavy and deep through all 
the surroulding forests, while storms still seemed gathering in the 
heavens, and the driving wind roared amid the neighboring pines, 
and rocked her puny mansion. 



17G MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

3. The last herring smoked upon the coals before her; it was 
the only article of food she possessed, and no wonder her forlorn, 
desolate state brought up in her lone bosom all the + anxieties of 
a mother, when she looked upon her children : and no wonder, for- 
lorn as she was, if she suffered the heart swellings of despair to 
rise, even though she knew that He, whose promise is to the 
widow and to the orphan, can not forget his word. 

4. '•'Providence had, many years before, taken from her her 
eldest son, who went from his forest home to try his fortune on 
the high seas, since which she had heard no "Hidings of him ; and, 
in her latter time, had, by the hand of death, deprived her of the 
companion and staff of her earthly pilgrimage, in the person of 
her husband. Yet to this hour she had been upborne ; she had 
not only been able to provide for her little flock, but had never 
lost an opportunity of ministering to the wants of the miserable 
and destitute. 

5. The + indolent may well bear with poverty, while the ability 
to gain sustenance remains. The individual who has but his own 
wants to supply, may suffer with fortitude the winter of want ; 
his affections are not wounded, his heart not wrung. The most 
desolate in + populous cities may hope, for charity has not quite 
closed her hand and heart, and shut her eyes on misery. 

6. But the industrious mother of helpless and depending chil- 
dren, far from the reach of human charity, has none of these to 
+ console her. And such a one was the widow of the Pine Cot- 
tage ; but as she bent over the fire, and took up the last scanty 
+ remnant of food, to spread before her children, her spirits 
seemed to brighten up, as by some sudden and mysterious impulse, 
and Cowper's beautiful lines came uncalled across her mind : 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 

But trust him for his grace ; 
Behind a frowning Providence 

He hides a smiling face. 

7. The smoked herring was scarcely laid upon the table, when 
a gentle rap at the door, and loud barking of a dog, attracted the 
attention of the family. The children flew to open it, and a 
weary traveler, in tattered garments, and + apparently indifferent 
health, entered and begged a lodging, and a mouthful of food. 
Said he, " It is now twenty-four hours since I tasted bread." The 
widow's heart bled anew as under a fresh complication of dis- 
tresses ; for her sympathies lingered not around her fireside. She 
hesitated not even now; rest and a share of all she had she 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 177 

proffered to the stranger. " We shall not be forsaken/' said she, 
" or suffer deeper for an act of charity." 

8. The traveler drew near the board, but when he saw the 
scanty fare, he raised his eyes toward heaven with astonishment : 
" And is this all your store ? " said he, " and a share of this do 
you offer to one you know not ? then never saw I charity before ! 
but madam," said he, continuing, " do you not wrong your chil- 
dren by giving a part of your last mouthful to a stranger 1 " 

9. " Ah," said the poor widow, and the teardrops gushed into 
her eyes as she said it, " I have a boy, a darling son, somewhere on 
the face of the wide world, unless heaven has taken him away, and 
I only act toward you, as I would that others should act toward 
him. God, who sent manna from heaven, can provide for us as he 
did for Israel ; and how should I this night offend him, if my son 
should be a + wanderer, + destitute as you, and he should have 
provided for him a home, even poor as this, were I to turn you 
unrelieved away." 

10. The widow ended, and the stranger springing from his seat, 
clasped her in his arms : " God indeed has provided your son a 
home, and has given him wealth to reward the goodness of his 
+ benefactress : my mother ! oh my mother ! " It was her long 
lost son, returned to her bosom from the Indies. He had chosen 
that + disguise that he might the more completely surprise his 
family; and never was surprise more perfect, or followed by a 
sweeter cup of joy. 

11. That humble + residence in the forest was exchanged for 
one comfortable, and indeed beautiful, in the valley; and the 
widow lived long with her dutiful son, in the enjoyment of worldly 
plenty, and in the delightful employments of virtue : and at this 
day the passer-by is pointed to the willow that spreads its branches 
above her grave. 

Anonymous. 



Questions. — Relate the history of the -widow and her son, as given 
in this lesson. Can evil ever come from judiciously obeying the dictates 
of benevolence ? Are there many in this world really so poor as not to be 
able to do something for others ? 



178 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



ARTICULATION. 

Priceless, prob'd, principle, profitable, printed. 
Priceless was the offering. The wound was thoroughly prob'd. 



ciple may not be profitable. 
rosy mantle o'er the plains. 



Prin- 

The books are printed. Spring flings her 
The rowers ply their weary oars. 



LESSON LIV. 

Pronounce correctly. — An-swer, pro. an-ser: fast-en'd, pro. 
fas'n'd: swad-dling, pro. swod-dling: treas-ures, pro. treas-yures: 
a-gainst, pro. a-genst. 



1. Whirl'-wind, n. a violent wind moving 

in a circle. 
3. Swad'-dling-band, n. (pro. sicod- 



dling-band) a band or cloth wrapped 
round an infant. 
Stay'-ed, p, stopt. 
8. Wa'-ter-course, n. a stream of water. 



THE WORKS OF GOD. 

1. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 
Who is this that darkeneth + counsel 

By words without knowledge? 

Gird up now thy loins like a man; 

For I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. 

2. Where wast thou when I laid the + foundations of the earth ? 
Declare, if thou hast understanding. 

Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest ? 
Or who hath stretched the line upon it ? 
Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened ? 
Or who laid the corner stone thereof, 
When the morning stars sang together, 
And all the sons of God shouted for joy ? 

3. Or who shut up the sea with doors, 

When it brake forth, as if it had + issued out of the womb ? 
When I made the cloud the garment thereof, 
And thick darkness a swaddling-band for it, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 179 

And brake up for it my + decreed place. 

And set bars and doors, 

And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; 

And here shall thy proud waves be stayed ? 

L Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days ; 
And caused the + dayspring to know his place ; 
That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, 
That the wicked might be shaken out of it ? 
It is turned as clay to the seal ; 
And they stand as a garment. 
And from the wicked their light is withholden, 
And the high arm shall be broken. 

5. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea ? 
Or hast thou walked in the search of the depth ? 
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee ? 

Or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death ? 
Hast thou + perceived the breadth of the earth? 
Declare if thou knowest it all. 

6. Where is the way where light dwelleth ? 
And as for darkness, where is the place thereof, 
That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, 

And that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? 
Knowest thou it because thou wast then born ? 
Or because the number of thy days is great ? 

7. Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow ? 
Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, 
Which I have "^reserved against the time of trouble, 
Against the day of battle and of war ? 

8. By what way is the light parted, 

Which scattereth the east wind upon the earth ? 

Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters ; 

Or a way for the lightning of thunder; 

To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is ; 

On the + wilderness, wherein there is no man ; 

To satisfy the ^desolate and waste ground ; 

And to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth ? 

9. Hast thou given the horse strength ? 
Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder ? 
Canst thou make him afraid as a + grasshopper ? 
The glory of his nostrils is terrible. 

He paweth in the valley, and +rejoiceth in his strength; 
He soeth out to meet the armed men. 



180 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

10. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted ; 
Neither turneth he back from the sword. 
The + quiver rattleth against him, 
The glittering spear and the shield. 
He swalloweth the ground with + fierceness and rage; 
Neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. 
He saith among the trumpets, Ha ! ha ! 
And he smelleth the battle afar off, 
The thunder of the captains, and the shouting. 

Bible. 



Questions. — Is this poetry? Select a metaphor ana a simile from 
the many to be found in this lesson. What is meant by the words " Ha 1 
ha ! " in the last paragraph ? 

Which are the conjunctions in the 10th paragraph ? Parse " spear " 
and " shield," in the same. Parse " Ha ! ha ! " in the same. In the first 
sentence, parse "whirl-wind." Which word in that sentence represents 
the subject, or the actor ? Which, the object, or the receiver ? Which, 
the action, or thing done ? Which is the adverb of time ? Is the sen- 
tence simple, complex, or compound ? 



TO TEACHERS. 
One of the most difficult things to be learned in reading is, a proper atten- 
tion to the pauses. The teacher will find various plans useful for accom- 
plishing this. The following will often succeed : Let the first pupil read to 
the first pause in a sentence, the second from that pause to the next, the 
third to the next, and so on. In doing this, the readers must be careful 
to take up their parts promptly, to read in the same key as nearly as possible, 
and to give the proper inflection at each pause. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



181 



LESSON IV. 

Remark. — Be careful not to join the last part of one word to the 
beginning of the next "word ; as, an das, for and as. 

Sound the final d clearly in the following and similar words in 
this lesson: blind, ask'd, sinn'd, ground, wash/d, open'd, received, 
fear'd, reviPd, worship'd. 



1. Dis-ci'-ples, n. followers, learners. 
Man'-i-fest, a. clear, plain. 

2. A-noint'-ed, v. smeared, rubbed over. 
4. Phar'-i-see, n. one of a sect who 

were very strict in observing the 
ceremonies of religion, and therefore 



thought themselves more holy than 

others. 

Syn'-a-gogue, n. a Jewish church. 

Re-vi'-led, v, reproached, treated 

with contemptuous language. 

Mar'-vel-ous, a. wonderful. 



CHRIST AND THE BLIND MAN. 

1. And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which, was blind from 
his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did 
sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind ? Jesus 
answered, Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents, but that 
the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work 
the works of him that sent me, while it is day ; the night cometh 
when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the 
light of the world. 

2. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made 
clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man 
with the clay, and said unto him, Gro, wash in the pool of + Siloam, 
(which is, by "^interpretation, Sent). He went his way, therefore, 
and washed, and came seeing. 

3. The + neighbors, therefore, and they which before had seen 
him, that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged ? 
Some said,, This is he ; others said, He is like him ; but he said, I 
am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes 
opened ? He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus, made 
clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of 
Siloam, and wash : and I went and washed, and I received sight 
Then said they unto him, Where is he ? He said, I know not. 



182 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

4. They brought to the + Pharisees him that afore time was 
blind. And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, 
and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him 
how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay 
upon mine eyes, and I washed and do see. Therefore said some 
of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not 
the Sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner, 
do such + miracles? And there was a division among them. 

5. They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of 
him, that he hath opened thine eyes ? He said, He is a prophet. 
But the Jews did not believe + concerning him that he had been 
blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him 
that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying, Is this 
your son, who ye say was born blind ? How then doth he now 
see ? His parents answered them and said, we know that this is 
our son, and that he was born blind : but by what means he now 
seeth, we know not : or who hath opened his eyes, we know not : 
he is of age, ask him, he shall speak for himself. 

6. These words spake his parents, because they feared the 
Jews : for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did 
"■" confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the syna- 
gogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age, ask him. 

7. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said, 
Give God the praise ; we know that this man is a + sinner. He 
answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not ; 
one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then 
said they to him again, What did he to thee ? How opened he 
thine eyes ? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye 
did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again ? Will ye also be 
his disciples ? 

8. Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but 
we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses : 
as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. The man 
answered and said unto them. Why, herein is a marvelous thing, 
that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine 
eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners : but if any 
man be a + worshiper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 
Since the world began, was it not heard, that any man opened the 
eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, 
he could do nothing. They answered, and said unto him, Thou 
wast + altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us ? And they 
cast him out. 

9. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had 
found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 183 

G-od ? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might 
believe on him ? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen 
him, and" it is he that talketh with thee. And he said, Lord, I 
believe. And he worshiped him. 

10. And Jesus said, For "^judgment I am come into this world : 
that they which see not, might see; and that they which see, 
might be made blind. And some of the + Pharisees which were 
with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind 
also ? Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no 
sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin + remaineth. 

Bible. 



Questions. — From what part of trie Bible is this lesson taken? 
What miracle is recorded in it ? Who performed this miracle ? What 
means did he make use of ? Will clay, prepared in the same manner, 
restore sight to the blind now ? What does the performance of this 
miracle prove concerning Christ ? This miracle, and many others, were 
performed openly : why were not the Jews convinced by them, that he 
came from God ? How did the Jews treat the man whose sight was 
restored ? Why did they put him out of the synagogue ? 

In the last sentence, "Jesus— remaineth," which verb is in the sub- 
junctive mode ? Which is in the potential mode ? Which verbs, in the 
same sentence, are in the indicative mode ? Which are the conjunctions ? 
Which are the pronouns ? Which is the preposition ? What adverb is 
there in the sentence ? What adjective ? What is the difference between 
an adjective and an adverb ? 



184 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LVI. 

Remark. — In reading poetry, that does not rhyme, or blank verse, 
as it is called, the pauses should be regulated chiefly by the sense, as in 
prose. 

Articulate distinctly. — First, not furss: hear'st, not 7iear'ss: 
didst, not didss : in-vest, not in-vess : re-vis-itst, not re-vis-its : sha-di- 
est, not sha-cli-ess : mist, not miss. 



6. Ef '-flu-ence, n. that which flows or 
issues from any substance or body. 
Es'-sence, n. being, existence. 
In-cre-ate', a. uncreated. 
10, In-vest', v. clothe, surround. 

14. Sty'-gi-an, a. referring to the Styx, 
fabled to be a river of Hell. 

15. So'-journ, n. a temporary residence. 
17- Or'-phe-an, a. referring to Orpheus, 

a celebrated musician. 



18. Cha'-os, n. confusion, disorder. 

25. Drop'-se-rene', n. a disease of the 
eye. 

26. Suf-fu'-sion, n. the state of being 
spread over as with a fluid. 

39. Dark-ling, a. without light. 

40. Noc-tur'-nal, a. nightly. [out 
49. Ex-pun'-ged, p. rubbed out, blotted 

Ra'-zed, p. blotted out, obliterated. 
53. Ir-ra'-di-ate,u. illuminate, enlighten. 



APOSTROPHE TO LIGHT. 

1. Hail! holy Light, + offspring of Heaven first born, 
Or of the + eternal, coeternal beam, 
May I express thee unblamed ? Since God is light, 
And never but in unapproached light 

5. Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee, 
Bright effluence of bright essence increate. 
Or hear'st thou, rather, pure + ethereal stream, 
Whose fountain who shall tell? Before the sun, 
Before the heavens thou wert, and at the voice 
10. Of Grod, as with a mantle, didst invest 
The rising world of waters dark and deep, 
Won from the + void and formless infinite. 



Thee I revisit now with bolder wing, 
Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained 
15. In that + obscure sojourn, while in my flight, 

Through utter and through middle darkness borne 
With other notes than to the Orphean lyre, 
I sung of chaos and eternal night, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 185 

Taught by the heavenly muse to venture down 

20. The dark descent, and up to reascend, 

Though hard and rare. Thee I revisit safe, 
And feel thy sovereign, + vital lamp; but thou 
Revisit'st not these eyes that roll in vain, 
To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn; 

25. So thick a drop-serene hath quenched their orbs, 
Or dim suffusion f vailed. Yet not the more 
Cease I to wander where the muses + haunt, 
Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny hill, 
Smit with the love of sacred song; but chief 

30. Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath, 

That wash thy hallowed feet, and warbling flow, 
Nightly I visit; nor sometimes forget 
Those other two, equaled with me in fate, 
So were I equaled with them in + renown, 

35. Blind Thainyris* and blind Mseonides,f 
And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old : 
Then feed on thoughts that voluntary move 
Harmonious numbers, as the wakeful bird 
Sings darkling, and in shadiest + covert hid, 

40. Tunes her nocturnal note. Thus with the year, 
Seasons return, but not to me returns 
Day, or the sweet approach of even and morn; 
Or sight of + vernal bloom, or summer's rose; 
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine; 

45. But cloud, instead and ever-during dark 

Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men 
Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair 
Presented with a universal blank 
Of nature's works, to me expunged and razed, 

50. And wisdom, at one entrance, quite shut out. 
So much the rather thou, * celestial Light, 
Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers 
Irradiate : there plant eyes, all mist from thence 
Purge and + disperse, that I may see and tell 

55. Of things + invisible to mortal sight. 

Milton. 



Questions . — Why does Milton mention light so reverently ? "Who 
is the source and author of light ? What is meant by the reference to 
the Stygian pool ? To the Orphean lyre ? What does he mean by saying 
that light revisits not his eyes ? To whom does he refer as having been 
blind like himself ? What bird does he call the " wakeful bird " ? 

* A celebrated musician of Thrace, who wa3 blind. f A name of Homer. 

16 



186 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



ARTICULATION. 

Shed'st, forests, hop'st, gifts, hadst, form'd. 

Thou shed'st a sunshine on his head. The brown forests. Hop'st 
thou for gifts like these ? Or ever thou had'st form'd the ear^. I 
have received presents. 



LESSON LVII. 

Utter distinctly all the consonants in the following and similar 
words in this lesson : majesty, scriptures, sanctity, gospel, addresses, 
philosopher, subject, enthusiast, instructions, described, disgrace, 
exactly, rewards, sobriety, midst, friends, fabricate, subject. 



1. Sanc'-ti-ty, n. holiness, purity. 

2. En-thu'si-ast, n. one whose imagi- 
nation is heated. 

Sect'-a-ry, «. one who separates from 

the established church. 

Max-ims, n. established principles. 

3. Pre-pos-ses'-sion,n. an opinion formed 
before examining a subject. 
Ig'-no-min-y, n. public disgrace. 



Soph'-ist, n. a deceptive reasoner. 

4. Pre'-cept, n. a rule of action. 
Eu'-lo-gi-zed, v. praised, commended. 

5. Fa-nat'-i-cism, n, wild notions of re- 
ligion. 

6. Ex'-e-cra-ted, p. cursed, denounced. 
Ex-cru'-cia-ting,a. extremely painful. 

7. Fab'-ric-ate, v. to invent, to devis* 
falsely. 



THE SCRIPTURES AND THE SAVIOR. 

1. The + majesty of the Scriptures strikes me with astonish- 
ment, and the sanctity of the gospel addresses itself to my heart. 
Look at the volumes of the + philosophers, with all their pomp : 
how + contemptible do they appear in comparison with this ! Is 
it possible, that a book at once so simple and sublime, can be the 
work of man ! 

2. Can he who is the subject of its history, be himself a mere 
man? Was his the tone of an enthusiast, or of an ambitious 
sectary ? What sweetness ! What purity in his manners ! What 
an affecting + gracefulness in his instructions! What sublimity 
in his maxims! What profound wisdom in his + discourses I 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 187 

What presence of mind, what sagacity and propriety in his an- 
swers ! How great the command over his passions ! Where is 
the man, where the philosopher, who could so live, suffer, and die, 
without weakness and without + ostentation ! 

3. When Plato described his + imaginary good man, covered 
with all the disgrace of crime, yet worthy of all the rewards of 
virtue, he described exactly the character of Jesus Christ. The 
resemblance was so striking, it could not be mistaken, and all the 
fathers of the church perceived it. What prepossession, what 
blindness must it be, to compare the son of Sophronius to the 
son of Mary ! What an + immeasurable distance between them ! 
Socrates, dying without pain, and without ignominy, easily sup- 
ported his character to the last ; and if his death, however easy, 
had not crowned his life, it might have been doubted whether 
Socrates, with all his wisdom, was any thing more than a mere 
sophist. 

4. He + invented, it is said, the theory of moral science. 
Others, however, had before him put it in practice ; and he had 
nothing to do but to tell what they had done, and to reduce their 
examples to precept. Aristides had been just, before Socrates 
denned what justice was. Leonidas had died for his country, 
before Socrates made it a duty to love one's country. Sparta had 
been temperate, before ISocrates eulogized sobriety; and before 
he celebrated the praises of virtue, Greece had abounded in vir- 
tuous men. 

5. But from whom of all his countrymen, could Jesus have 
derived that sublime and pure morality, of which he only has 
given us both the precepts and example ? In the midst of the 
most + licentious fanaticism, the voice of the sublimest wisdom 
wa3 heard ; and the simplicity of the most heroic virtue crowned 
one of the humblest of all the multitude. 

6. The death of Socrates, peaceably philosophizing with his 
friends, is the most pleasant that could be desired ! That of 
Jesus, expiring in torments, + outraged, + reviled, and execrated by 
a whole nation, is the most horrible that could be feared. Soc- 
rates, in receiving the cup of poison, blessed the weeping execu- 
tioner who presented it ; but Jesus, in the midst of excruciating 
torture, prayed for his merciless tormentors. 

7. Yes ! if the life and death of Socrates were those of a sage, 
the life and death of Jesus were those of a God. Shall we say 
that the evangelical history is a mere + fiction? It does not bear 
the stamp oi fiction, but the contrary. The history of Socrates, 
which nobody doubts, is not as well + attested as that of Jesus 



188 M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Christ. Such an assertion in fact only shifts the difficulty, with- 
out removing it. It is more inconceivable that a number of per- 
sons should have agreed to fabricate this book, than that one only 
should have furnished the subject of it. 

8. The Jewish authors were incapable of the diction, and 
strangers to the morality, contained in the gospel, the marks of 
whose truth are so striking, so perfectly + inimitable, that the 
inventor would be a more astonishing man than the hero. 

Rousseau. 



Questions. — What was the character of Rousseau ? How could an 
infidel testify thus without renouncing his infidelity ? How does Plato's 
character of what a good man ought to be, correspond with what Christ 
was ? What differences can you mention between the life and death of 
Christ, and those of Socrates ? In what country did Aristides, Leonidas, 
Plato, and Socrates live ? What is the character of each ? Is the his- 
tory of Spcrates any better attested than that of Christ ? Why is it 
inconceivable that the book is a fiction ? Suppose it an invention of 
man ; which would be the most wonderful, the inventor or the hero ? 



ARTICULATION. 

Canst, skin, barbed, slumberdst, laidst, rest. 

Canst thou fill his skin with h&rbed irons. Thou slumber 1 'd'st not in 
vain. Thou laidst thy waves at rest. Around him fall dread powers, 
dominions, hosts, and kingly thrones. When Ajax strives some rocks 
vast weight to throw. He was distinguished for his conscientiousness. 
His lips grow restless and his smile is curled into scorn. His limbs were 
strength 'n'd by exercise. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



189 



LESSON LVIII. 

Remark. — The pathos of the description in the following lesson is 
its great beauty, and requires an appropriate tone and manner. 

Pronounce correctly. — Join, not jine: cov-er'd, not cov-ud: 
sac-ra-ment, not sa-cra-ment : pict-ure, (pro. pict-yur) not pic-tshure, 
nor pic-ter : fig-ure, pro. Jig-yur : grand-eur, pro. grand-yur : por-ten- 
tous, not por-teii-shus : at-ti-tudes, pro. at-tit-yudes. 



Pre-ter-nat'-u-ral, a. beyond or differ- 
ent from what is natural. 
Shriv'-el-ed, a. shrunk into wrinkles. 
Prog-nos'-tie, a, showing something 
to come. 

Pas'-sion, n. suffering, the last suffer- 
ing of our Savior. 

Pa'-thos, n. that which excites feel- 
ing. 

Mys'-tic, or. sacredly obscure, involv- 
ing some secret meaning. 



Sym'-bol, n. a sign or representation 
of something. 

E-nun-ci-a'-tion, ti. the act of utter- 
ing. 

U'-ni-son, n. agreement, harmony. 
Dis-tor'-tion, «. a twisting out of 
shape. 

Buf-fet, n. a blow with the fist 
Fal-la'-cious, a. deceiving. 
Ab-rupt'-ness, n. suddenness. 
Por-tent'-ous, a. foretelling of evil. 



THE BLIND PREACHER 



1. As I traveled through the county of Orange, my eye was 
caught by a cluster of horses tied near a ruinous, old, wooden 
house in the forest, not far from the roadside. Having frequently 
seen such objects before, in traveling through these States, I had 
no difficulty in + understanding that this was a place of religious 
worship. 

2. Devotion alone should have stopped me to join in the duties 
of the congregation; but I must confess, that curiosity to hear 
the preacher of such a wilderness, was not the least of my mo- 
tives. On entering, I was struck with his preternatural appear- 
ance. He was a tall and very spare old man; his head, which 
was covered with a white linen cap, his shriveled hands, and his 
voice, were all shaking under the influence of a + palsy; and a 
few moments "^ascertained to me that he was perfectly blind. 

3. The first emotions that touched my breast were those of 
mingled pity and veneration. But how soon were all my feelings 



190 Mo GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

changed ? The lips of Plato were never more worthy of a prog« 
nostic swarm of bees, than were the lips of this holy man ! It 
was a day of the administration of the sacrament; and his subject 
was, of course, the passion of our Savior. I had heard the sub- 
ject handled a thousand times; I had thought it exhausted long 
ago. Little did I suppose, that, in the wild woods of America, I 
was to meet with a man, whose eloquence would give to this topic 
a new and more sublime pathos, than I had ever before witnessed. 

4. As he descended from the pulpit, to + distribute the mystic 
symbols, there was a peculiar, a more than human solemnity in 
his air and manners, which made my blood run cold, and my 
whole frame shiver. He then drew a picture of the sufferings of 
our Savior; his trial before Pilate; his ascent up Calvary ; his 
+ crucifixion. I knew the whole history; but never until then, 
had I heard the circumstances so + selected, so arranged, so col- 
ored. It was all new ; and I seemed to have heard it for the first 
time in my life. His enunciation was so deliberate, that his voice 
trembled on every syllable; and every heart in the assembly 
trembled in unison. 

5. His peculiar phrases had that force of + description, that the 
original scene appeared to be at that moment acting before our 
eyes. We saw the very faces of the Jews; the staring, frightful 
distortions of malice and rage. We saw the buffet; my soul 
kindled with a flame of indignation ; and my hands were involun- 
tarily and + convulsively clinched. 

6. But when he came to touch on the patience, the forgiving 
meekness of our Savior; when he drew, to the life, his voice 
breathing to God a soft and gentle prayer of pardon on his ene- 
mies, " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," 
the voice of the preacher, which had all along faltered, grew 
fainter, until, his + utterance being entirely obstructed by the 
force of his feelings, he raised his handkerchief to his eyes, and 
burst into a loud and irrepressible flood of grief. The effect was 
inconceivable. The whole house resounded with the mingled 
groans, and sobs, and shrieks of the congregation. 

7. It was some time before the tumult had subsided, so far as to 
permit him to proceed. Indeed, judging by the usual, but falla- 
cious standard of my own weakness, I began to be very uneasy for 
the situation of the preacher. For I could not conceive how he 
would be able let his audience down from the hight to which he 
had wound them, without + impairing the solemnity and dignity 
of the subject, or perhaps shocking them by the abruptness of his 
fall. But, no : the descent was as beautiful and sublime, as the 
elevation had been rapid and enthusiastic. 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 191 

8. The first sentence, with which he broke the awful silence, 
was a quotation from Rousseau : " Socrates died like a philosopher, 
but Jesus Christ, like a God ! " I despair of giving you any idea 
of the effect produced by this short sentence, unless you could 
+ perfectly conceive the whole manner of the man, as well as the 
peculiar crisis in the discourse. Never before did I completely 
understand what Demosthenes meant by laying such stress on 
+ delivery. 

9. You are to bring before you the venerable figure of the 
preacher; his blindness, constantly recalling to your recollection 
old Homer, Ossian, and Milton, and associating with his perform- 
ance the melancholy + grandeur of their geniuses; you are to 
imagine that you hear his slow, solemn, well-accented enunciation, 
and his voice of affecting, trembling melody ; you are to remember 
the pitch of passion and enthusiasm, to which the congregation 
were raised ; and then, the few moments of portentous, death-like 
silence, which reigned throughout the house ; the preacher, remov- 
ing his white handkerchief from his aged face, (even yet wet from 
the recent torrent of his tears), and slowly stretching forth the 
palsied hand which held it, begins the sentence, " Socrates died 
like a philosopher" — then, pausing, raising his other, pressing 
them both, clasped together, with warmth and energy, to his 
breast, lifting his " sightless balls" to heaven, and pouring his 
whole soul into his + tremulous voice — "but Jesus Christ — like 
a God!" 

10. This man has been before my imagination almost ever since. 
A thousand times, as I rode along, I dropped the reins of my 
bridle, stretched forth my hand, and tried to imitate his quotation 
from Rousseau : a thousand times I abandoned the attempt in 
despair, and felt persuaded, that his peculiar manner and power 
arose from an + energy of soul, which nature could give, but which 
no human being could justly copy. As I recall, at this moment, 
several of his awfully striking attitudes, the chilling tide with 
which my blood begins to pour along my arteries, reminds me of 
the emotions produced by the first sight of Gray's + introductory 
picture of his Bard. 

Wirt 



Questions. — Can you describe the personal appearance of the blind 
preacher ? What effect was produced by his manner ? What, by his 
language ? When he described the character and conduct of Christ, what 
was the effect on the congregation ? What effect was produced by the 
circumstance of his blindness ? What was the secret of the preacher's 
great power ? 



192 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LIX. 

Remark. — Be careful to speak such little words as by, in, on, a, and, 
at, of, with, for, to, from, through, the, <fcc, very distinctly, and yet not to 
dwell on them so long as on other more important words. 

Pronounce correctly. — Path-less, not path-liss: u-ni-verse, not 
u-ni-vuss : thou-sand, not thou-sund: mo-ment, not mo-munt: ar-ma- 
ments, not ar-ma-munts : sav-age, not sav-ij : tem-pests, not tem-pists. 



1. In'-ter-views, n. meetings, mutual 
sight or view. 

2. Rav'-age, n. waste, ruin. 
Un-knell'-ed, p. without the tolling 
of a bell at one's funeral. 

3. Arm'-a-ment, n. a body of naval 
forces equipped for war; ships of war. 
Le-vi'-a-tban, n. a huge sea animal ; 
here need figuratively for ships. 



Ar'-bi-ter, n. one who controls or de- 
cides between others. 
Yest,* n. (the same as yeast,) the 
foam of the sea. 

4. Realms, n. kingdoms. 
Az'-ure, a. blue, like the sky. 

5. Glass'-es,* v. mirrors as in a glass. 
Slime, «. sticky mud. 

Zone, n. a division of the earth. 



APOSTROPHE TO THE OCEAN. 

1. There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, 

There is a + rapture on the lonely shore, 
There is society where none + intrudes 

By the deep sea, and music in its roar. 

I love not man the less, but Nature more, 
From these our interviews, in which I steal 

From all I may be, or have been before, 
To mingle with the universe and feel 
What I can ne'er express, yet can not all conceal. 

2. Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll ! 

Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain ; 
Man marks the earth with ruin, his "^control 

Stops with the shore : upon the watery plain 

The ''"wrecks are all thy deed, nor doth remain 
A shadow of man's ravage, save his own, 

When for a moment, like a drop of rain, 

* throughout this work, that definition is given which belongs to the word 
It is used in the lesson. This meaning is frequently figurative. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 19. 

He sinks into thy depths with bubbling groan, 
Without a grave, unknelled, "''uncomned, and unknown. 



The armaments which thunderstrike the walls 

Of rock-built cities, bidding nations + quake, 
And monarchs tremble in their "^capitals; 

The oak leviathans, whose huge ribs make 

Their clay creator the vain title take 
Of lord of thee, and arbiter of war ; 

These are thy toys, and, as the snowy + flake, 
They melt into thy yest of waves, which mar 
Alike the Armada's pride, or spoils of Trafalgar. 

Thy shores are + empires, changed in all save thee • 
Assyria, Greece, Rome, Carthage, — what are they ? 

Thy waters wasted them while they were free, 
And many a tyrant since ; their shores obey 
The stranger, slave, 1 or savage ; their decay 

Has dried up + realms to deserts : not so thou, 
Unchangeable save to thy wild waves' play; 

Time writes no wrinkles on thy azure brow; 

Such as creation's dawn beheld, thou rollest now. 

Thou glorious + mirror, where the Almighty's form 

G-lasses itself in tempests ; in all time, 
Calm or * convulsed; in breeze, or gale, or storm, 

Icing the pole, or in the torrid clime 

Dark heaving ; boundless, endless, and sublime*, 
The image of Eternity, the throne 

Of the Invisible ; even from out thy slime 
The monsters of the deep are made ; each zone 
Obeys thee; thou goest forth, dread, + fathomless, alone. 

Byron. 



Questions. — What is the society which exists where none intrudes ? 
What is meant by " oak leviathans ? " How is the ocean the imaa-e of 
eternity ? Where is Trafalgar, and for what is it celebrated ? Where 
Assyria, Rome, Greece, and Carthage ? 



17 



194 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



ARTICULATION. 

Exists, smooth' st, sat'st, throne, birds, nests, call'st. 
It exists every where. Thou smooth 7 st his rugged path. Thou sat'st 
upon thy throne. Do you see the birds' nests? Thou call'st in vain. 
Alkaline earths. 



LESSON LX. 

Utter distinctly the r, giving ife its soft sound, in the following 
words in this lesson : declare, there, nor, where, their, circuit, perfect, 
converting, sure, pure, enduring, ever jwseter, moreover. 



S. Tab'-er-na-cle, n. a temporary habita 

tion. 
5. Test'-i-mo-ny, n. solemn declaration. 

Stat'-utes, n. written laws. 



8. Pre-suinp'-tu-ous, n. bold, rash- 

Do-min'-ion, n. power, controlling 

influence. 

Trans-gres'-sion, n. violation of law- 



NATTJRE AND REVELATION. 

1. The heavens declare the glory of God ; 
And the + firmament showeth his + handwork. 
Day unto day uttereth speech, 

And night unto night showeth knowledge. 

2. There is no speech nor language, 
Where their voice is not heard. 

Their line is gone out through air the earth, 
And their words to the end of the world. 



b\ In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 

Which is as a + bridegroom coming out of his + chamber, 
And rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. 

4. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, 
And his f circuit unto the ends of it : 
And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 1<)5 

5~. The law of the Lord is perfect, + converting the soul: 

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple, 
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. 

6. The ^commandment of the Lord is pure, "^enlightening the eyes. 
The fear of the Lord is clean, + enduring for ever : 

The + judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 

7. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; 
Sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. 

Moreover by them is thy servant warned : 
And in keeping of them there is great reward. 

8. Who can understand his + errors? 
Cleanse thou me from secret faults, 

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins ; 
Let them not have dominion over me. 

9. Then shall I be upright, 

And I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 

Let the words of my mouth, and the + meditation of my heart, 

Be + acceptable in thy sight, 

Lord, my strength, and my + Redeemer I Bible. 



Questi o ns. — What is the character of God, as exhibited by the works 
of nature ? What is the character and influence of the law of God? How 
can a man be kept from sin ? 

In the 8th paragraph, which are the pronouns ? What does the word 
pronoun mean ? Which is the interrogative pronoun in that paragraph ? 
Which are the nouns in the plural number ? Which, in the singular ? 
Which, of the neuter gender ? Which, of common gender? In what case 
is each one ? What does the word noun mean ? Which are the verbs ? 
What does the word verb mean ? Why is this part of speech so called ? 
Which are in the imperative mode? What does the word imperative, mean? 



196 



M°GUFFEY»S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LXI. 

Remark. — The following lesson is of a didactic character, and 
should be read slowly, impressively, and with especial attention to 
emphasis. 

Give the r its rolling sound in the following words in this lesson : 
strongest, approbation, secret, afraid, alacrity, brilliant, right, free, 
erect, heroic, phrase, pride, constrain, private, scrupulous, integrity, 
drives, morality, greatness, streamlets, presents, torrent, purity. 



In-teg'-ri-ty, n. honesty of purpose. 
2. A-lac'-ri-ty, n. cheerful readiness. 
E-las -tic, a. rebounding, springing 
back. 

4. Vi-cis'-si-tude, n. change. [ful. 

5. Scru'-pu-lous,a. careful, nicely doubt- 



7. Mea'-ger, n. small, scanty. 

Stream'-let, n. a little stream, 

brook. 

Im-ped'-i-ment, n. hinderanco. 

Hav'-oc, n. wide destruction. 

Ca-reer', n. course. 



DECISIVE INTEGRITY. 

1. The man who is so conscious of the rectitude of his inten- 
tions, as to be willing to open his bosom to the inspection of the 
world, is in possession of one of the strongest pillars of a decided 
character. The course of such a man will be firm and steady, 
because he has nothing to fear from the world, and is sure of the 
+ approbation and support of heaven. While he, who is conscious 
of secret and dark designs, which, if known, would blast him, is 
perpetually shrinking and dodging from public observation, and is 
afraid of all around, and much more of all above him. 

2. Such a man may, indeed, pursue his iniquitous plans, 
steadily j he may waste himself to a skeleton in the guilty pur- 
suit ; but it is impossible that he can pursue them with the same 
health-inspiring + confidence, and exulting alacrity, with him who 
feels, at every step, that he is in the pursuit of honest ends, by 
honest means. The clear, unclouded brow, the open countenance, 
the brilliant eye, which can look an honest man steadfastly, yet 
+ courteously, in the face, the healthfully beating heart, and the 
firm, elastic step, belong to him whose bosom is free from guile, 
and who knows that all his purposes are pure and right. 

3. Why should such a man falter in his course? He may be 
* slandered; he maybe deserted by the world; but he has that 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 197 

within winch will keep him erect, and enable him to move onward 
on his course, with his eyes fixed on heaven, which he knows will 
not desert him. 

4. Let your first step, then, in that + discipline which is to give 
you decision of character, be the heroic determination to be honest 
men, and to preserve this character through every vicissitude of 
fortune, and in every relation which connects you with society. 
I do not use this phrase, " honest men/ 7 in the narrow sense 
merely of meeting your ''"pecuniary engagements, and paying your 
debts ; for this the common pride of gentlemen will constrain 
you to do. 

5. I use it in its larger sense of + discharging all your duties, 
both public and private, both open and secret, with the most 
scrupulous, + heaven-attesting integrity; in that sense, further, 
which drives from the bosom all little, dark, crooked, sordid, 
debasing + considerations of self, and substitutes in their place a 
bolder, loftier, and nobler spirit; one that will dispose you to 
consider yourselves as born, not so much for yourselves, as for 
your country, and your fellow creatures, and which will lead 
you to act, on every occasion, sincerely, justly, generously, 
+ magnanimously. 

6. There is a morality on a larger scale, perfectly consistent 
with a just attention to your own affairs, which it would be the 
hight of folly to neglect : a generous expansion, a proud elevation 
and conscious greatness of character, which is the best preparation 
for a decided course, in every situation into which you can be 
thrown ; and it is to this high and noble tone of character that I 
would have you to + aspire. 

7. I would not have you to resemble those weak and meager 
streamlets, which lose their + direction at every petty impediment 
which presents itself, and stop, and turn back, and creep around, 
and search out every little + channel through which they may 
wind their feeble and sickly course. Nor yet would I have you 
resemble the headlong torrent that carries havoc in its mad -career. 

8. But I would have you like the ocean, that noblest emblem 
of + majestic decision, which, in the calmest hour, still heaves its 
resistless might of waters to the shore, filling the heavens, day 
and night, with the echoes of its sublime declaration of indepen- 
dence, and tossing, and sporting, on its bed, with an ''"imperial 
"♦"consciousness of strength that laughs at + opposition. It is this 
depth, and weight, and power, and purity of character, that I 
would have you to resemble; and I would have you, like the 
waters of the ocean ; to become the purer by your own action. 



198 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Questions. — What is the effect of conscious rectitude upon a man ? 
What is the effect of the want of it ? What then should be the first step 
in the attainment of decision of character ? In what two senses may we 
be considered " honest men ? " With what beautiful metaphor does this 
piece close ? 

In the first sentence of the 3d paragraph, which is the nominative ? 
Which is the verb ? What kind of a verb is it ? In what mode and 
tense ? What word is in the objective case ? Which is the general 
attribute ? See Pinneo's Analytical Grammar, page 124. 



LESSON IXII. 



Remark 
sentence. 



— Do not let the voice grow weaker at the last words of a 



Pronounce correctly. — Act-u-al, not ac-tew-al : en-gin-eer, not 
in-gi-neer: boil-er, not b i-ler : fast-en-ings, pro. fas'nings: move-ments, 
not move-munce : en-gine (pro. en-gin) not in-gine : joint, not jint : oil, 
not He : fur-nace, not fur-Jiiss : gov-erns, not gov-uns. 



2. Pro-pel', p. to push forward, [gines. 

3. En-gin-eer', ». one who manages en- 
Steam'-gage, n. something which 
measures the force of the steam. 
Seru'-ti-ni-zes, v. examines closely. 

4- Pon'-der-ous, a. very heavy. 

Pis'-ton, », a short cylinder used in 

pumps and engines. 
5. Com'-pli-ca-ted, a. intricate. 



13 



Mi-nu'-tiae, n.the smaller particulars. 
Fric'-tion, n. rubbing. [tion. 

Mo-ment'-um, n. the quantity of mo- 
Sym'-bol, n. type or emblem, 
Res-er-voir', n. (pro. rez-er-v wor') a 
place where any thing ia kept in 
store. 

Sus-cep-ti-bil'-i-ties, n. capacity for 
receiving impressions. 



THE STEAMBOAT TRIAL. 



1. The Bible every where + conveys the idea that this life is 
not our home, but a state of + probation, that is, of trial and * dis- 
cipline, which is intended to prepare us for another. In order 
that all, even the youngest of my readers, may understand what 
is meant by this, I shall "^illustrate it bj some familiar examples, 
drawn from the actual business of life. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 199 

2. When a large steamboat is built, with the intention of having 
her employed upon the waters of a great river, she must be proved 
before put to service. Before trial, it is somewhat doubtful 
whether she will succeed. In the first place, it is not absolutely 
certain whether her + machinery will work at all. There may be 
some flaw in the iron, or an imperfection in some part of the 
+ workmanship, which will prevent the motion of her wheels. Or 
if this is not the case, the power of the machinery may not be 
+ sufficient to propel her through the water, with such force as to 
overcome the current ; or she may, when brought to encounter the 
rapids at some narrow passage in the stream, not be able to force 
her way against their resistance. 

3. The engineer, therefore, resolves to try her in all these 
respects, that her f security and her power may be properly proved 
before she is "*" intrusted with her valuable cargo of human lives; 
He cautiously builds a fire under her boiler ; he watches with eager 
interest the rising of the steam-gage, and scrutinizes every part of 
the machinery, as it gradually comes under the control of the 
tremendous power, which he is apprehensively applying. 

4. With what interest doe3 he observe the first stroke of the 
ponderous piston ! and when, at length, the fastenings of the boat 
are let go, and the motion is * communicated to the wheels, and 
the mighty mass slowly moves away from the wharf, how deep and 
eager an interest does he feel in all her movements, and in every 
indication he can discover of her future success ! 

5. The engine, however, works imperfectly, as every one must 
on its first trial; and the object in this + experiment is not to 
gratify idle curiosity, by seeing that she will move, but to discover 
and remedy every little imperfection, and to remove every obstacle 
which prevents more entire success. For this purpose, you will 
see our engineer examining, most minutely and most attentively, 
every part of her complicated machinery. The crowd on the 
wharf may be simply gazing on her majestic progress, as she 
moves off from the shore, but the engineer is within, looking with 
faithful + examination into all the minutiae of the motion. 

6. He scrutinizes the action of every lever and the friction of 
every joint; here, he oils a bearing, there, he tightens a nut; one 
part of the machinery has too much play, and he confines it; 
another, too much friction, and he loosens it; now, he stops the 
engine, now, reverses her motion, and again, sends the boat 
forward in her course. He discovers, perhaps, some great improve- 
ment of which she is + susceptible, and when he returns to the 
wharf and has extinguished her fire, he orders from the machine- 
shop the necessary alteration. 



200 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

7. The next day he puts his boat to the trial again, and she 
glides over the water more smoothly and swiftly than before. The 
jar which he had noticed is gone, and the friction reduced; the 
beams play more smoothly, and the + alteration which he has made 
produces a more equable motion in the + shaft, or gives greater 
effect to the stroke of the paddles upon the water. 

8. When at length her motion is such as to satisfy him upon 
the smooth surface of the river, he turns her course, we will 
imagine, toward the rapids, to see how she will sustain a greater 
trial. As he increases her steam, to give her power to overcome 
the new force with which she has to contend, he watches, with 
eager interest, her boiler, N+ inspects the gage and the safety-valves, 
and, from her movements under the increased pressure of her 
steam, he receives suggestions for further improvements, or for 
+ precautions which will insure greater safety. 

9. These he executes, and thus he perhaps goes on for many 
days, or even weeks, trying and examining, for the purpose of im- 
provement, every working of that mighty power, to which he 
knows hundreds of lives are soon to be intrusted. This now is 
probation — trial for the sake of improvement. And what are its 
+ results? Why, after this course has been thoroughly and faith- 
fully pursued, this floating palace receives upon her broad deck, 
and in her carpeted and curtained cabin, her four or five hundred 
passengers, who pour along in one long procession of happy groups, 
over the bridge of planks ; father and son, mother and children, 
young husband and wife, all with + implicit confidence, trusting 
themselves and their dearest interests to her power. 

10. See her as she sails away ! How beautiful and yet how 
powerful are all her motions ! That beam glides up and down 
gently and smoothly in its + grooves, and yet gentle as it seems, 
hundreds of horses could not hold it still; there is no apparent 
violence, but every movement is with irresistible power. How 
graceful is her form, and yet how mighty is the momentum with 
which she presses on her way ! 

11. Loaded with life, and herself the very symbol of life and 
power, she seems something + ethereal, unreal, which, ere we look 
again, will have vanished away. And though she has within her 
bosom a furnace glowing with furious fires, and a reservoir of death, 
the elements of most dreadful ruin and conflagration, of destruc- 
tion the most complete, and agony the most + unutterable ; and 
though her strength is equal to the united energy of two thousand 
men, she restrains it all. 

12. She was + constructed by genius, and has been tried and 
improved by fidelity and skill; and one man governs and controls 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 201 

her, stops her and sets her in motion, turns her this way and that, 
as easily and certainly as the child guides the gentle lamb. She 
walks over the one hundred and sixty miles of her route, without 
rest and without + fatigue; and the passengers, who have slept in 
safety in their berths, with destruction by water without, and by 
fire within, defended only by a plank from the one, and by a sheet 
of copper from the other, land at the appointed time in safety. 

13. My reader, you have within you susceptibilities and powers, 
of which you have little present conception; energies, which are 
hereafter to operate in producing fullness of enjoyment or horrors 
of suffering, of which you now can form scarcely a conjecture. 
You are now on trial. Grod wishes you to prepare yourself for 
safe and happy action. He wishes you to look within, to examine 
the complicated movements of your hearts, to detect what is 
wrong, to + modify what needs change, and to + rectify every 
irregular motion. 

14. You go out to try your moral powers upon the stream of 
active life, and then return to retirement, to improve what is right, 
and + remedy what is wrong. Renewed opportunities of moral 
practice are given you, that you may go on from strength to 
strength, until every part of that complicated moral machinery, 
of which the human heart consists, will work as it ought to work, 
and is prepared to + accomplish the mighty purposes for which 
your powers are designed. You are on trial, on probation now. 
You will enter upon active service in another world. 

Abbott, 



Questions. — How does the Bible consider this life? What is a 
state of probation ? What is a steamboat ? Who invented it ? Was 
Robert Fulton an American ? What is meant by proving a steamboat ? 
What is the use of doing this ? Is there any resemblance between man 
and a steamboat ? If this life is our state of probation, what will a 
future state of existence be ? What difference is there between man's 
probation before the fall, and man's probation now ? 



202 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



ARTICULATION. 

Kraken, kremlin, crutch, crush' d, prank, praiseworthy. 

The krakeil is probably a fabulous animal. The kremlin is the Rus- 
sian emperor's palace. With his crutch he crushed the flowers. The 
'prank was not praiseworthy. The props were prop'd by other props. 
The crafty creatures crawVd in crowds. The proud prig prates. 



LESSON LXIII. 

Articulate distinctly. — Prec-e-dent, not prec' dent : pro-cras- 
ti-na-tion, not pro-crasf na-tion: e-ter-nal, not e-ter-rCl: mi-rac-u-lous, 
not mi-rac' Ions : ex-cel-lent, not ex' lent : sus-pec£§, not s'pec' s : in-fa- 
mous, not in-f'mous. 



2. Prec'-e-dent, n. something that 

serves for an example. 
4. Pro-cras-ti-na'-tion, n. delay. 
11. Palm, n. victory. 

14 ^riv'-el, v. to be foolish. [session. 

15 ^e-vcr'-sjon, n. right to future pos- 



18. Vails, n. money given to servants. 
It here means that which may be 
spent for pleasure. This word is 
obsolete, that is, it is not now used. 

23. Dil'-a-to-ry, a. slow, delaying. 

29. Chides, v. reproves. 



PROCRASTINATION. 

1. Be wise today; 'tis madness to + defer; 

Next day the + fatal precedent will plead; 

Thus on, till wisdom is pushed out of life. 

Procrastination is the thief of time : 
5. Year after year it steals, till all are fled, 

And to the mercies of a moment, leaves 

The vast + concerns of an + eternal scene. 

If not so frequent, would not this be strange ? 

That 'tis so frequent, this is stranger still. 
10. Of man's + miraculous mistakes, this bears 

The palm, that all men are about to live, 

Porever on the + brink of being born. 

All pay themselves the + compliment to think 

They one day shall not drivel; and their pride 
15. On this reversion takes up ready praise, 

At least their own : their future selves + applaud ; 

How excellent that life they ne' er will lead ! 

Time lodged in their own hands is folly's vails; 

That lodged in fate's, to wisdom they + consign : 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



203 



20. The thing they can't but purpose, they + postpone. 

'Tis not in folly not to scorn a fool; 

And scarce in human wisdom to do more. 

All promise is poor dilatory man, 

And that through every stage : when young indeed, 
25. In full content, we sometimes nobly rest 

Unanxious for ourselves ; and only wish 

As duteous sons, our fathers were more wise. 

At thirty, man + suspects himself a fool ; 

Knows it at forty, and f reforms his plan ; 
SO. At fifty, chides his + infamous delay, 

Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve ; 

In all the + magnanimity of thought 

Resolves; and "^re-resolves; then dies the same. 



Young. 



Questions. — What is meant by procrastination? Kame some of 
the evils of procrastination ? What is the meaning of lines 10, 11, and 
12 ? What, of all things, are men most apt to defer ? 



LESSON IXIV. 

Hem ark. — Sound the r clearly in the following words: are, mark, 
bard, hard, lard, barb, garb, hear, clear, dear, near, tear, arm, harm, 
charm, lord, cord, far, care, course, never, merely, conform. 

Be careful also to pronounce correctly the following : Oth-ers, not 
oih-uz : rule, not root : virtue, not vir-too : rec-ti-tude, not rec-ti-tsliude : 
a-dopt, not ud-opt : mer-cy, no* mus-sy : com / -plai-sance, not com-plaV- 
sance: sac-ri-fice, not sa-cri-Jis : sec-u-lar, not sec-ky-lar, nor scc-ew-lar: 
mor-als, not mor-uls : scru-pu-lous, not scru-py-lous. 



JL. De-voicl', a. destitute. [ciple. 

2. Rec'-ti-tude, n. correctness of prin- 

4. Vis'-ion, n. faculty of sight. 

5. Cas'-u-al, a. accidental. 

6. Com'-plai-sance, n. (pro. com'-pla- 
zance) obliging treatment. 



S. Sec'-u-lar, a. worldly. 
9. Tam'-per, v. to meddle -with impro- 
perly. 
11, En-tail', v. to fix unalienably upon 

a particular person. 
13. Pelf, n. money, riches. 



LOVE OF APPLAUSE. 



1. To be + insensible to public opinion, or to the estimation in 
which we are held by others, indicates any thing, rather than a 
good and generous spirit. It is, indeed, the mark of a low and 



204 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

worthless character; devoid of principle, and therefore devoid of 
shame. A young man is not far from ruin, when he can say, 
without blushing, I don't care what others think of me. 

2. But to have a proper regard to public opinion, is one thing ; 
to make that opinion our rule of action, is quite another. r lhe 
one we may cherish ''"consistently with the purest virtue, and the 
most unbending rectitude ; the other we can not adopt, without an 
'utter abandonment of principle and disregard of duty. 

3. The young man whose great aim is to please, who makes the 
opinion and favor of others his rule and motive of action, stands 
ready to adopt any sentiments, or pursue any course of conduct, 
however false and + criminal, provided only that it be popular. 

4. In every '•'emergency, his first question is, what will my 
companions, what will the world think and say of me, if I adopt 
this, or that course of conduct ? Duty, the eternal laws of recti- 
tude, are not thought of. Custom, fashion, popular favor : these 
are the things, that till his entire vision, and decide every question 
of opinion and duty. 

5. Such a man can never be trusted; for he has no + integrity 
and no independenee of mind, to obey the dictates of rectitude. 
He is at the mercy of every casual + impulse and change of popu- 
lar opinion ; and you can no more tell whether he will be right or 
wrong tomorrow, than you can predict the course of the wind, or 
what shape the clouds will then assume. 

6. And what is the usual consequence of this weak and foolish 
regard to the opinions of men ? What the end of thus acting in 
compliance with custom in opposition to one's own convictions of 
duty ? It is to lose the esteem and respect of the very men whom 
you thus attempt to please. Your defect of principle and + hol- 
low-heartedness are easily perceived : and though the persons to 
whom you thus sacrifice your conscience, may affect to commend 
your complaisance, you may be assured, that, inwardly, they 
despise you for it. 

7. Young men hardly,, commit a greater mistake, than to think 
of gaining the esteem of others, by yielding to their wishes con- 
trary to their own sense of duty. Such conduct is always morally 
wrong, and rarely fails to f deprive one, both of self-respect and 
the respect of others. 

8. It is very common for young men, just commencing busi- 
ness, to imagine that, if they would advance their secular interests, 
they must not be very + scrupulous in binding themselves down to 
the strict rules of rectitude. They must conform to custom. ; and 
if, in buying and selling, they sometimes say things that are not 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 205 



true, and do the things that are not honest ; why, their neighbors 
do the same; and, verily, there is no getting along without it. 
There is so much competition and rivalry, that, to be strictly 
honest, and yet succeed in business, is out of the question. 

9. Now, if it were indeed so, I would say to a young man; 
then, quit your business. Better dig, and beg too, than to tam- 
per with conscience, sin against God, and lose your soul. 

10. But is it so ? Is it necessary, in order to succeed in busi- 
ness, that you should adopt a f standard of morals, more lax and 
pliable, than the one placed before you in the Bible ? Perhaps 
for a time, a rigid + adherence to rectitude might bear hard upon 
you ; but how would it be in the end ? Possibly, your neighbor, 
by being less scrupulous than yourself, may invent a more expedi- 
tious way of acquiring a fortune. If he is willing to violate the 
dictates of conscience, to lie and cheat, and trample on the rules 
of justice and honesty, he may, indeed, get the start of you, and 
rise suddenly to wealth and distinction. 

11. But would you envy him his riches, or be willing to place 
yourself in his situation? Sudden wealth, especially when ob- 
tained by dishonest means, rarely fails of bringing with it sudden 
ruin. Those who acquire it, are of course beggared in their 
morals, and are often, very soon, beggared in property. - Their 
riches are + corrupted; and while they bring the curse of God on 
their immediate possessors, they usually entail misery and ruin 
upon their families. 

12. If it be admitted, then, that strict integrity is not always 
the shortest wSy to success, is it not the surest, the happiest, and 
the best ? A young man of thorough integrity may, it is true, 
find it difficult, in the midst of dishonest + competitors and rivals, 
to start in his business or profession ; but how long, ere he will 
surmount every difficulty, draw around him + patrons and friends, 
and rise in the confidence and support of all who know him. 

13. What, if, in pursuing this course, you should not, at the 
close of life, have so much money, by a few hundred dollars ? 
Will not a fair character, an approving conscience, and an approv- 
ing God, be an abundant f compensation for this little deficiency 
of pelf? 

14. 0, there is an hour coming, when one whisper of an ap- 
proving mind, one smile of an approving God, will be accounted 
of more value than the wealth of a thousand worlds like this. In 
that hour, my young friends, nothing will sustain you but the 
+ consciousness of having been governed in life by worthy and 
good principles. • Hawls. 



206 



MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Questions. — "What must be said of a total disregard of public 
opinion in a young man ? What is the effect of making public opinion 
the rule of life ? What erroneous opinion respecting strict honesty is 
common ? Is it a well founded opinion ? 

Explain the inflections in the last five paragraphs. 



ARTICULATION. 

Grappl'd, grizzly, grumbl'd, crippl'd, crevice, cranny, frost. 

They grappl'd and fell. The grizzly bear is ferocious. They 
grumbl'd at their crippled condition. Each crevice and cranny was 
filled with frost. AU&ys and shrines incredibly increase. Herdsmen, 
protect herds in the forests. Scenes of pleasure soon pal! upon the 
senses. The trees fell thundering and crackling and crashing. The 
Franks fed /radically. 



LESSON IXV. 

Articulate distinctly. — Sur-prise, not s 'prise: di-rect-ly, not 
d'rec-ly : old maid, not ole maid : just, not juss : un-der-stand, not 
un-der-stan : slight-est, not slight-es : ob-ject, not ob-jec- 



A-ver'-sion, n. dislike. 

I'-ro-ny, n. language intended to convey 
a meaning contrary to its literal sig- 
nification. 



De-ris'-ion, n. the act of laughing at h) 

contempt. 
In-com-pat'-i-ble, a. inconsistent, that 

can not exist together. 



TIT FOR TAT. 



Mrs. Bolingbrohe. I wish I knew what was the matter with me 
this morning. Why do you keep the + newspaper all to yourself, 
my dear ? 

Mr. Bolingbrohe. Here it is for you, my dear; I have + fin- 
ished it. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 207 

3Irs. B. I humbly thank you for giving it to me when you 
have done with it. I hate + stale news. Is there any thing in the 
paper ? for I can not be at the trouble of hunting it. 

Mr. B. Yes, my dear ; there are the marriages of two of our 
friends. 

Mrs. B. Who ? Who ? 

Mr. B. Your friend, the widow Nettleby, to her cousin John 

Nettleby. 

Mrs. B. Mrs. Nettleby ? Dear ! But why did you tell me ? 

Mr. B. Because you asked me, my dear. 

Mrs. B. Oh, but it is a hundred times pleasanter to read the 
+ paragraph one's self. One loses all the pleasure of the surprise 
by being told. Well, whose was the other marriage ? 

Mr. B. Oh, my dear, I will not tell you • I will leave you the 
pleasure of the surprise. 

Mrs. B. But you see I can not find it. How * provoking you 
are, my dear ! Do pray tell me. 

Mr. B. Our friend, Mr. Granby. 

Mrs. B. Mr. Granby ? Dear ! Why did you not make me 
guess ? I should have guessed him directly. But why do you 
call him our friend ? I am sure he is no friend of mine, nor ever 
was. I took an aversion to him, as you + remember, the very 
first day I saw him. I am sure he is no friend of mine. 

Mr. B. I am sorry for it, my dear ; but I hope you will go and 
see Mrs. Granby. 

Mrs. B. Not I, indeed, my dear. Who was she ? 
Mr. B. Miss Cooke. 

Mrs. B. Cooke? But there are so many Cookes. Can't you 
+ distinguish her any way ? Has she no Christian name ? 

Mr. B. Emma, I think. Yes, Emma. 

Mrs. B. Emma Cooke ? No ; it can not be my friend Emma 
Cooke ; for I am sure she was cut out for an old maid. 

Mr. B. This lady seems to me to be cut out for a good wife. 

Mrs. B. May be so. I am sure I HI never go to see her. Pray, 
my dear, how came you to see so much of her ? 

Mr. B. I have seen very little of her, my dear. I only saw 
her two or three times before she was married. 

Mrs. B. Then, my dear, how could you decide, that she was 
8ut out for a good wife? I am sure you could not judge of her 



208 MOGUPFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

by seeing her only two or three times, and before she was 
married. 

Mr. B. Indeed, my love, that is a very just observation. 

Mrs. B. I understand that + compliment + perfectly, and thank 
you for it, my dear. I must own I can bear any thing better 
than irony. 

Mr. B. Irony ? my dear, I was perfectly in earnest. 

Mm. B. Yes, yes; in earnest; so I perceive; I may naturally 
be dull of + apprehension, but my feelings are quick enough; I 
comprehend too well. Yes, it is impossible to judge of a woman 
before marriage, or to guess what sort <yf a wife she will make. I 
presume you speak from ''" experience; you have been '♦"disap- 
pointed yourself, and repent your choice. 

Mr. B. My dear, what did I say that was like this ? Upon 
my word, I meant no such thing. I really was not thinking of 
you in the least. 

Mrs. B. No, you never think of me now. I can easily believe 
that you were not thinking of me in the least. 

Mr. B. But I said that, only to prove to you that I could not 
be thinking ill of you, my dear. 

Mrr. B. But I would rather that you thought ill of me, than 
that you did not think of me at all. 

Mr. B. Well, my dear, I will even think ill of you, if that will 
please you. 

Mrs. B. Do you laugh at me ? When it comes to this, I am 
wretched indeed. Never man laughed at the woman he loved. As 
long as you had the slightest remains of love for me, you could 
not make me an object of derision : ridicule and love are incom- 
patible, + absolutely incompatible. Well, I have done my best, 
my very best, to make you happy, but in vain. I see I am not 
cut out to be a good wife. Happy, happy Mrs. Granby ! 

Mr. B. Happy, I hope sincerely, that she will be with my 
friend ; but my happiness must depend on you, my love ; so, for 
my sake, if not for your own, be composed, and do not torment 
yourself with such fancies. 

Mrs. B. I do wonder whether this Mrs. Granby is really that 
Miss Emma Cooke. I '11 go and see her directly ; see her I must. 

Mr. B. I am heartily glad of it, my dear ; for I am sure a visit 
to his wife will give my friend Granby real pleasure. 

Mrs. B. I promise you, my dear, I do not go to give him 
pleasure, or you either, but to satisfy my own t curiosity* 

Miss Edgkworth. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



209 



Questions. — What traits of temper or feeling does Mrs. B. display? 
Why is it particularly unwise for a husband or wife to speak to each 
other in an unfriendly manner ? What is the best method of replying to 
angry words? What will generally be the effect of kind answers ? 

-Parse " dear " in the last sentence. Parse " to satisfy " in the same. 



LESSON LXVI. 

Remark . — Let each pupil in the class observe and mention every syl- 
lable that is not sounded correctly as each one reads. 

Pronounce correctly — Gos-sips, not gos-sups: lan-guage, not Ian* 
guig : or-chard, not or-chud: curds, not cuds: wash-ers, not wash-uz: 
not-a-ble, not no-ta-ble (wot-a-ble means industrious: no-ta-ble, worthy 
of notice) : fra-grance, not frag-mmce : u-su-al (pro. u-zhu-al), not 
u-shal : buoy-ant, pro. bwoy-ant. 



1, Mii'-ses, n. a name given, in the 
fables, of the ancients, to nine sisters, 
who were supposed to preside over 
the liberal arts. 

Gos'-sip, ». one that goes about and 
tattles. 

2. Busk'-in-ed, a. tragic, dignified, 
J 5. Quaint, a. odd, fanciful. 

De-vice', n. contrivance. 
IS. Un-wont'-ed, a. unusual. 



25. Dis-as'-ters, n. unfortunate events. 
31. Not'-a-ble, a. industrious, careful. 
33. Welk'-in, n. the sky, the region of 

the air. [ted. 

39. Im-per'-vi-ous, a. not to be penetra- 
49. Stint'-ed, a. limited, restrained. 
71. Elf -in, a. relating to a fairy, or 

evil spirit. 
82. Mon-gol'-fier, n. the inventor of 

balloons. 



10. 



WASHING DAY. 



The Muses are turned gossips ; they have lost 
The buskined step, and clear high-sounding phrase, 
Language of Gods. Come then, domestic Muse, 
In slip-shod measure loosely + prattling on 
Of farm or orchard, pleasant curds and cream, 
Or drowning flies, cr shoe lost in the mire 
By little + whimpering boy, with + rueful face; 
Come, Muse, and sing the dreaded Washing Day. 
Ye who beneath the yoke of wedlock bend, 
With bowed soul, full well ye know the day 
Which week, smooth sliding after week, brings on 
Too soon ; for to that day nor peace belongs 
18 



10 

Nor comfort ; ere the first gray streak of dawn, 
The red-armed washers come and chase repose. 

15. Nor pleasant smile, nor quaint device of mirth, 
E'er visited that day : the very cat, 
From the wet kitchen scared, and + reeking hearth, 
Visits the parlor, an unwonted guest. 
The silent breakfast meal is soon dispatched, 

20. Uninterrupted, save by anxious looks 

Cast at the + lowering sky, if sky should lower. 
From that last evil, preserve us, heavens ! 
For should the skies pour down, adieu to all 
llcmains of quiet : then expect to hear 

25. Of sad disasters; dirt and gravel stains 
Hard to + efface, and loaded lines at once 
Snapped short, and linen horse by dog thrown down, 
And all the petty "^miseries of life. 
Saints have been calm while stretched upon the rack, 

30. And Guatimozin smiled on burning coals ; 
But never yet did + housewife notable 
Greet with a smile a rainy washing day. 
But grant the welkin fair, require not thou 
Who call'st thyself perchance the master there, 

35. Or study swept, or nicely dusted coat, 
Or usual 'tendance; ask not, indiscreet, 
Thy stockings mended, though the + yawning rents 
Gape wide as Erebus j nor hope to find 
Some snug + recess impervious : shouldst thou try 

40. The 'customed garden walks, thine eye shall rue 
The budding + fragrance of thy tender shrubs, 
Myrtle or rose, all crushed beneath the weight 
Of coarse checked apron, with impatient hand 
Twitched off when showers impend ; or crossing lines 

45. Shall mar thy musings, as the wet cold sheet 
Flaps in thy face + abrupt. Woe to the friend 
Whose evil stars have urged him forth to claim, 
On such a day, the + hospitable rites ! 
Looks, blank at best, and stinted + courtesy, 

50. Shall he receive. Yainly he feeds his hopes 
With dinner of roast chickens, savory pie, 
Or tart or pudding : pudding he nor tart 
That day shall eat : nor, though the husband try, 
Mending what can 't be helped, to kindle mirth 

55. From cheer deficient, shall his consort's brow 
Clear up + propitious : the unlucky guest 
In silence dines, and early slinks away. 
I well remember, when a child, the awe 
This day struck into me ; for then the maids, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 211 

60. I scarce knew why, looked cross, and drove me from them; 
Nor soft caress could I obtain, nor hepe 

Usual + indulgences ; jelly or creams, 

Eelic of costly suppers, and set by 

For me, their petted one \ or buttered toast, 
6b. When butter was forbid ; or thrilling tale 

Of ghost, or witch, or murder j so I went 

And sheltered me beside the parlor fire : 

There, my dear grandmother, eldest of forms, 

Tended the little ones, and watched from harm, 
70. Anxiously fond, though oft her spectacles 

"With elfin cunning hid, and oft the pins 

Drawn from her f raveled stockings, might have soured 

One less indulgent. 

At "intervals my mother's voice was heard, 
75. Urging dispatch : briskly the work went on, 

All hands employed to wash, to rinse, to wring. 

To fold, and starch, and cdap, and iron, and plait. 

Then would I sit me down and ponder much 

Why washings were. Sometimes through hollow bowl 
80. Of pipe amused we blew, and sent aloft 

The floating bubbles ; little dreaming then 

To see. Mongotfier, thy silken ball 

Ride + buoyant through the clouds ; so near approach 

The sports of children and the toils of men. 

Mbs. Baebauld. 



Questions. — "What is meant "by the "Muses ?" "What is meant by 
"buskined step ? " Can you explain the reference to Guatirnozin ? The 
allusion to Erebus ? What is meant by the " silken ball/' in the 82 Une? 



212 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER 



LESSON LXVII. 

Remark. — Be careful to read the last words of every sentence in as 
full and loud a tone as the first part. 

Articulate distinctly the h in the following words in this 
lesson: his, holy, heart, hath, heaven, heartily, holiness, haven, head, 

house. 



1. Mar'-vol-ous, a. wonderful. 

2. Or-dain'-ed, v. appointed, established. 
Do-min'-ion, n. supreme authority. 



5. Ila'-ven, »i. a harbor, a placo whero 
ships can lie in safety. 



SELECT PARAGRAPHS. 

1. give thanks unto the Lord ; call upon his name ; make 
known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him ; sing psalms 
unto him ; talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his 
holy name; let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. 
Ilomember his marvelous works that he hath done ; his + wonders, 
and the '•' judgments of his mouth. 



2. Lord, our Lord, how + excellent is thy name in all the 
earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. When I con- 
sider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers ; the moon and the 
stars which thou hast ordained ; what is man that thou art + mind- 
ful of him? and the son of man that thou visitest him? For 
thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast 
crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have 
dominion over the work of thy hands ; thou hast put all things 
under his feet. Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in 
all the earth ! 



3. "I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress; 
my God; in him will I trust." — "Because he hath set his love 
upon me, therefore will I + deliver him : I will set him on high, 
because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I 
will answer him ; I will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him 
and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him 
my + salvation." 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 213 

4. come, let us sing unto the Lord, let us heartily rejoice in 
the strength of our salvation. Let us come before his presence 
with thanksgiving, and show ourselves glad in him with psalms. 
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all Gods. O 
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness ; let the whole earth 
stand in awe of him. For he coniethy for he cometh, to judge the 
earth; and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people 
with his truth. 

5. that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for 
his wonderful works to the children of men ! They that go down 
to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters ; these see the 
works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he com- 
mandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves 
thereof. They mount up to the heaven j they go down again to 
the depths j their soul is melted because of trouble j they reel to 
and fro, and * stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's 
end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bring- 
eth them out of their + distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, 
so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because 
they are quiet ; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 
that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his 
wonderful works to the children of men ! 



6. The Lord is my shepherd : I shall not want. He maketh 
me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still 
waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of 
righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through 
the valley of the + shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou 
art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they + comfort me. Thou 
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ; thou 
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely good- 
and mercy will follow me all the days of my life ; and 1 shall 
dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

Bicli;. 

Questions. — Iu the 3d paragraph, who is represented as declaring 
that he will make God his refuge? What does God promise to such a one? 
What is meant by " sotting him on high "? Is the promise of " sal isfj 
him with long life." fulfilled in this world 'I Who are described in the 
bth paragraph ? 



211 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON IIVIII. 

Remark. — Be careful not' to allow the voice to grow weaker and 
weaker, as you approach the end of each sentence. 

Pronounce correctly. — Scarce, not source: fra-grant, not frarj-raul: 
or'-i-sons, not o-ri'-sons: hal-le-lu-jahs, pro. hal-lc-lu-yaJis: beau-te-ous, 
not beau-che-ous : hal-low-ed, not hal-lcrd: o-be-di-ence, not o-be-jnnce. 



1. Tinge, n. a slight degree of color. 
3. Rab'-bi, n. a title given to learned 

men among the Jews. 
19. Re-past', n. a meal. 
26. Or'-i-sons, n. prayers. 
28. Pon-tif'-i-cal, a. belonging to tbo 

high priest. 
30. Cyni'-bal, n. an instrument of music. 

Psal'-ter-y, n. an instrument of music. 
33. Hal-le-lu'-jahs, n. praises to God. 



36. In'-censo, n. the odors of spices burnt 

in religious worship. 

Re-luct'-ant, a. unwilling. 
44. Sap'-phire, n. a precious stone of a 

blue color; here put for the color. 
48. Lus'-ter, n. splendor, brightness. 
58. Spou'-sal, a. relating to marriage. 

83. Chas'-ten-ed, a. (pro. chaie-nd) af- 
flicted for correction. 

84. Hom'-age, n. reverential worship. 



A HEBREW TALE. 

1. + Twilight was deepening with a tinge of eve, 
As toward his home in Israel's + sheltered vales 
A + stately Rabbi drew. His camels spied 
Afar the palm trees' lofty heads, that + decked 
5. The dear, + domestic + fountain, and in speed 

Pressed with broad foot, the smooth and dewy + glade. 
The holy man his peaceful threshold passed 
"With hasting step. The evening meal was spread, 
And she, who, from life's morn his heart had shared, 

10. Breathed her fond welcome. Bowing o'er the board, 
The blessing of his father's G-od he sought ; 
Buler of earth and sea. Then raising high 
The + sparkling wine cup, u Call my sons," he bade, 
u And let me bless them ere their hour of rest." 

15. The observant mother spake with gentle voice 
Somewhat of soft + excuse, that they were wont 
To linger long amid the Prophet's school, 
Learning the holy law their father loved. 
His sweet repast with sweet + discourse was blent, 

20. Of journeying and return. " Would thou hadst seen 
With me, the golden morning bring to light 
Yon mountain summits, whose blue, waving line 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 215 

Scarce meets thine eye, where chirp of joyous birds, 
A breath of fragrant herbs and spicy gales, 

25. And sigh of waving boughs, stirred in the soul 
Warm orisons. Yet most I wished thee near 
Amid the temple's pomp, when the high priest, 
Clad in his robe pontifical, + invoked 
The God of Abraham, while on the lute and harp, 

30. Cymbal, and trump, and psaltery, and glad breath 
Of tuneful Levite, and the mighty shout 
Of all our people, like the swelling sea, 
Loud hallelujahs burst. When next I seek 
Blest Zion's glorious hill, our beauteous boys 

35. Must bear me company. Their early prayers 
Will rise as incense. Thy reluctant love 
No longer must withhold them : — the new * toil 
Will give them sweeter sleep, and touch their cheek 
With brighter crimson. 'Mid their raven curls 

40. My hand I'll lay, and dedicate them there, 
Even in those courts, to Israel's God, 
Two spotless lambs, well pleasing in his sight. 
But yet, methinks, thou 'it paler grown, my love ? 
And the pure sapphire of thine eye looks dim, 

45. As though 't were washed with tears." 

Faintly she smiled, 

" One doubt, my lord, I fain would have thee solve. 
Gems of rich luster and of countless cost 
Were to my keeping trusted. Now, alas ! 

50. They are demanded. Must they be restored ? 
Or may I not a little longer gaze 
Upon their dazzling + hues ? " His eyes grew stern, 
And on his lip there lurked a sudden curl 
Of indignation. "Doth my vjife propose 

55. Such doubt? as if a master might not claim 
His own again ? " " Nay, Babbi, come, behold 
These + priceless jewels ere I yield them back." 
So to their spousal chamber, with soft hand 
Her lord she led. There, on a snow-white couch 

60. Lay his two sons, pale, pale, and motionless, 
Like fair twin lilies, which some * grazing kid 
In + wantonness had cropped. " My sons ! — my sons ! 
Light of my eyes ! " the astonished father cried ', 
" My teachers in the law ! whose + guileless hearts 

65. And prompt obedience warned me oft to be 
More perfect with my God !" 

To earth he fell, 
Like Lebanon's rent cedar ; while his breast 
Heaved with such groans as when the laboring soul 



216 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

70. Breaks from its clay companion's close embrace. 

The mourning mother turned away and wept, 

Till the first storm of + passionate grief was still. 

Then, pressing to his ear her faded lip, 

She sighed in tone of tremulous tenderness, 
75. " Thou didst instruct me, Rabbi, how to yield 

The summoned jewels. See ! the Lord did give, 

The Lord hath taken away/' 

" Yea ! " said the sire, 

" And blessed be Ms name. Even for thy sahe 
80. Thrice blessed be Jehovah." Long he pressed 

On those cold, beautiful brows his + quivering lip, 

While from his eye the burning anguish rolled; 

Then, kneeling low, those chastened spirits poured 

Their mighty homage forth to God. 

Mrs. Sigournky. 



Questions. — "What is a Rabbi? What was the character of this 
Rabbi ? Where had he been journeying ? How do you know he had been 
at Jerusalem ? Where is Jerusalem ? How often did the Jews go up to 
Jerusalem for religious purposes ? What had happened during the Rab- 
bi's absence ? What had been the character of his sons ? How did his 
wife prepare him to hear of their death ? What is the best support in 
time of trouble and affliction ? 



ARTICULATION. 



When similar sounds come at the end of one word and the begin- 
ning of the next word, they must not be blended into one sound. 

Malice seeks to destroy. The breeze sighs softly. The ice slowly 
melts. The hosts still stand. The land descends. His death drilled 
the nation. Life flies swiftly. With sad dismay he saw his dreaded 
destiny. His blan/c countenance revealed all. Grie/'/'ills his heart. 
The ji& doom was carried away. The ha<7 groaned drearily. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



217 



LESSON LXIX. 

Articulate distinctly the t in the following and similar words in 
this lesson : lost, antagonist, suppliants, duelist, least, last, lift, must, 
penitent, object, subject, silent, innocent, wept. 



1. Im-pe'-ri-ous, a. urgent, not to be 
opposed. 

An-tag'-o-nist, n. an opponent, one 
who contends with another in combat. 

2. Poign'-ant, a. (pro. poin-ant) sharp, 
severe. [er of action. 
Par'-a-ly-zed, v. deprived of the pow- 



3. Sanct'-u-a-ry, n. a sacred place, a 
place of protection. 

4. An-i-mad-vert'-ed, v. censured, re- 
proved. 

5. Com-punc'-tion, n. remorse, sorrow 
from a consciousness of guilt. 

6. Plen'-i-tude, n. fullness, completeness. 



CRIMINALITY OF DUELING. 

1. Hamilton yielded to the force of an imperious custom; and 
yielding, he + sacrificed a life in which all had an interest ; and he 
is lost, lost to his country, lost to his family, lost to us. For this 
rash act, because he disclaimed it, and was penitent, I forgive him. 
But there are those whom I can not forgive. I mean not his 
antagonist, over whose erring steps, if there be tears in heaven, a 
pious mother looks down and weeps. 

2. If he be capable of feeling, he suffers already all that hu- 
manity can suffer : suffers, and wherever he may fly, will suffer, 
with the poignant recollection of having taken the life of one, who 
was too + magnanimous in return to attempt his own. If he had 
known this, it must have paralyzed his arm while he pointed, at so 
+ incorruptible a bosom, the instrument of death. Does he know 
this now, his heart, if it be not adamant, must soften ; if it be not 
ice, it must melt. * * * But on this article I forbear. Stained 
with blood as he is, if he be penitent, I forgive him • and if he be 
not, before these altars, where all of us appear as + suppliants, I wish 
not to excite your + vengeance, but rather, in behalf of an object 
rendered wretched and pitiable by crime, to wake your prayers. 

3. But I have said, and I repeat it, there are those whom I can 
not forgive. I can not forgive that minister at the altar, who has 
hitherto forborne to + remonstrate on this subject. I can not for- 
give that public + prosecutor, who, intrusted with the duty of 
avenging his country's wrongs, has seen these wrongs, and taken 
no measures to avenge them. I can not forgive that judge upon 
the bench, or that governor in the chair of state, who has lightly 



218 MOQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

passed over such offenses. I can not forgive the public, in whose 
opinion the duelist finds a sanctuary. I can not forgive you, my 
brethren, who till this late hour have been silent, while + succes- 
sive murders were committed. 

4. No ; I can not forgive you, that you have not in common 
with the freemen of this state, raised your voice to the powers 
that be, and loudly and + explicitly demanded an execution of 
your laws ; demanded this in a manner, which, if it did not reach 
the ear of government, would at least have reached the heavens, 
and have pleaded your excuse before the God that filleth them : 
in whos3 presence as I stand, I should not feel myself innocent of 
the blood that crieth against us, had I been silent. But I have 
not been silent. Many of you who hear me are my witnesses ; 
the walls of yonder temple, where I have heretofore addressed 
you, are my witnesses, how freely I have animadverted on this 
subject, in the presence both of those who have violated the laws, 
and of those whose + indispensable duty it is to see the laws 
executed on those who violate them. 

5. I enjoy another + opportunity ; and would to God, I might 
be permitted to approach for once the last scene of death. Would 
to God, I could there assemble on the one side the + disconsolate 
mother with her seven fatherless children, and on the other those 
who administer the justice of my country. Could I do this, I 
would point them to these sad objects. I would entreat them, by 
the agonies of + bereaved fondness, to listen to the widow's heart- 
felt groans; to mark the orphan's sighs and tears; and having 
done this, I would uncover the breathless corpse of Hamilton ; I 
would lift from his gaping wound his bloody mantle ; I would 
hold it up to heaven before them, and I would ask, in the name 
of God, I would ask, whether at the sight of it they felt no com- 
punction. Ye who have hearts of pity ; ye who have experienced 
the anguish of dissolving friendship ; who have wept, and still 
weep over the + moldering ruins of departed kindred, ye can enter 
into this + reflection. 

6. thou disconsolate widow ! robbed, so cruelly robbed, and 
in so short a time, both of a husband and a son ! what must be 
the plenitude of thy suffering ! Could we approach thee, gladly 
would we drop the tear of + sympathy, and pour into thy bleeding 
bosom the balm of + consolation ! But how could we comfort her 
whom God hath not comforted ! To his throne let us lift up our 
voices and weep. God ! if thou art still the widow's husband, 
and the father of the fatherless ; if, in the fullness of thy good- 
ness, there be yet mercy in store for miserable mortals, pity, 
pity this afflicted mother, and grant that her hapless + orphans 
may find a friend, a benefactor, a father in thee ! Nott. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



219 



Questions. — To what imperious custom did Hamilton yield? 
"What is dueling ? Why does the writer forgive Hamilton ? What is the 
duty of the minister in reference to dueling ? Of the public prosecutor ? 
Of the judge ? Of the governor ? Of the public ? Why is dueling 
wrong ? What does the Bible teach with regard to our treatment of those 
who injure us ? 

Explain the inflections in the 1st, 5th, and Gth paragraphs. 

In the last sentence of the 3d paragraph (I committed), how many 

simple sentences are included ? Which is the subject, and which the 
attribute of each ? Which is the verb in the last ? What word forms 
the connection between the first and second of the simple sentences ? 
What between the second and third ? Which are the conjunctions in the 
last paragraph ? Which are the interjections ? See Pinneo's Analytical 
Grammar. 



LESSON IXX. 

Remark. — Be careful to observe the commas and other points, 
making an appropriate pause at each one of them. 



1. Im-per-cept'-i-ble, a, not to be per- 
ceived, [ning, 
In-cip'-i-ent, cr. commencing, begin- 

2. Dex-ter'-i-ty, n. expertness, skill. 

3. Pro-pen'-si-ties, n. bent of mind, in- 
clination. 

4. Fas-cin-a'-tion, n. a powerful influ- 
ence on the affections. [cites. 
Stim'-u-lus, n. something which ex- 

7. Can'-ons, n. rules. 

8. Cal'-lous, a. insensible, unfeeling. 



Ban'-di-ed, p. tossed about. 
9. Bac-cha-na'-lian, a. reveling in in- 
tempei'ance. 

10. Phys'-ie-al, a. material, external. 

11. Di'-a-lect, n. a particular form of 
speech. [thing is received. 
Re-cept'-a-cles, n. places where any 

12. Glad'-i-a-tor, n. a prizefighter. 
A-re'-na, n. an open space. 

13. Ru'-mi-na-ting, p. meditating. 

14. Ret-ri-bu'-tion, 71. recompense. 



EFFECTS OF GAMBLING. 

1. The love of gambling steals, perhaps, more often than any 
other sin, with an imperceptible influence on its victim. Its first 
pretext is inconsiderable, and falsely termed innocent play, with 
no more than the gentle excitement necessary to amusement. 
This plea, once indulged, is but too often " as the letting out of 



220 

water/ ' The interest imperceptibly grows. Pride of superior 
skill, opportunity, avarice, and all the overwhelming passions of 
depraved nature, ally themselves with the incipient and growing 
fondness. Dam and dike are swept away. The victim struggles 
in vain, and is borne down by the + uncontrolled current. 

2. Thousands have given scope to the + latent guilty avarice, 
unconscious of the guest they harbored in their bosoms. Thou- 
sands have exulted over the avails of gambling, without compre- 
hending the baseness of using the money of another, won without 
honest industry, obtained without an equivalent : and perhaps 
from the simplicity, rashness, and + inexperience of youth. Mul- 
titudes have commenced gambling, thinking only to win a small 
sum, and prove their superior skill and dexterity, and there pause. 

3. But it is the teaching of all time, it is the experience of 
human nature, that + effectual resistance to powerful propensities, 
if made at all, is usually made before the commission of the first 
sin. My dear reader ! let me implore you, by the mercies of God 
and the worth of your soul, to + contemplate this enormous evil 
only from a distance. Stand firmly against the first temptation, 
under whatsoever + specious forms it may assail you. " Touch 
not." " Handle not." " Enter not into temptation." 

4. It is the + melancholy and well known character of this sin, 
that, where once an appetite for it has gained possession of the 
breast, the common motives, the gentle excitements, and the ordi- 
nary inducements to business or amusement, are no longer felt. 
It incorporates itself with the whole body of thought, and fills 
with its fascination all the desires of the heart. Nothing can 
henceforward arouse the spell-bound victim to a pleasurable con- 
sciousness of existence, but the destructive stimulus of gambling. 

5. Another appalling view of gambling is, that it is the prolific 
stem, the fruitful parent, of all other vices. Blasphemy, falsehood, 
cheating, drunkenness, quarreling, and murder, are all naturally 
connected with gambling j and what has been said, with so much 
power and truth, of another sin, may, with equal emphasis and 
truth, be asserted of this : " Allow yourself to become a confirmed 
gambler; and detestable as this practice is, it will soon be only 
one among many gross sins of which you will be guilty." Giving 
yourself up to the + indulgence of another sinful course, might 
prove your ruin j but then you might perish only under the guilt 
of the indulgence of a single gross sin. 

6. But, should you become a gambler, you will, in all proba- 
bility, descend to destruction with the added infamy of having 
been the slave of all kinds of iniquity, and " led captive by Satan 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 221 



at his will." Gambling seizes hold of all the passions, allies itself 
with all the appetites, and compels every propensity to pay tribute. 
The subject, however plausible in his external deportment, becomes 
avaricious, greedy, insatiable. Meditations upon the card table 
occupy all his day and night dreams. Had he the power, he 
would annihilate all the hours of this our short life, that necessa- 
rily + intervene between the periods of his favorite pursuit. 

7. Cheating is a sure and + inseparable attendant upon a con- 
tinued course of gambling. We well know with what horror the 
canons of the card table repel this charge. It pains us to assert 
our deep and deliberate conviction of its truth. There must be 
prostration of moral principle, and silence of conscience, even to 
begin with it. Surely a man who regards the natural sense of 
right," laying the obligations of Chrisitanity out of the question, 
can not sit down with the purpose to win the money of another in 
this way. 

8. He must be aware, in doing it, that avarice and dishonest 
thoughts, it may be almost + unconsciously to himself, mingle with 
his motives. Having once closed his eyes upon the unworthiness 
of his motives, and deceived himself, he begins to study how he 
may deceive others. Every moralist has remarked upon the deli- 
cacy of conscience ; and that, from the first violation, it becomes 
more and more callous, until finally it sleeps a sleep as of death, 
and ceases to remonstrate. The gambler is less and less scrupu- 
lous about the modes of winning, so that he can win. No person 
will be long near the gambling table of high stakes, be the stand- 
ing of the players what it may, without hearing the charge of 
cheating bandied back and forward; or reading the indignant 
expression of it in their countenances. One half of our fatal 
duels have their immediate or remote origin in insinuations of 
this sort. 

9. The alternations of loss and gain; the preternatural excite- 
ment of the mind, and consequent depression when that excite- 
ment has passed away ; the bacchanalian merriment of guilty asso- 
ciates; the loss of natural rest; in short, the very atmosphere of 
the gambling table, foster the temperament of hard drinking. A 
keen sense of interest may, indeed, and often does, restrain the 
gambler, while actually engaged in his employment, that he may 
possess the requisite coolness to watch his + antagonist, and avail 
himself of every passing advantage. 

10. But the moment the high excitement of play is intermitted, 
the moment the passions * vibrate back to the state of repose, 
what shall sustain the sinking spirits; what shall renerve the 
relaxed physical nature; what shall fortify the mind against the 
tortures of conscience, and the thoughts of "a judgment to come," 



222 MC GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

but intoxication ? It is the experience of all time, that a person is 
seldom a gambler for any considerable period, without being also a 
drunkard. 

11. Blasphemy follows, as a thing of course: and is, indeed, 
the well-known and universal dialect of the gambler. How often 
has my heart sunk within me, as I have passed the dark and dire 
receptacles of the gambler, and seen the red and bloated faces, and 
+ inhaled the mingled smells of tobacco and + potent drink; and 
heard the loud, strange, and horrid curses of the players; realiz- 
ing the while, that these beings so occupied were candidates for 
eternity, and now on the course which, if not speedily forsaken, 
would iix them forever in hell. 

12. We have already said, that gambling naturally leads to 
quarreling and murder. How often have we retired to our berth 
in the steamboat, and heard charges of dishonesty, accents of 
reviling and recrimination, and hints that these charges must be 
met and settled at another time and place, ring in our ears, as we 
have been attempting to commune with God and settle in a right 
frame to repose! Many + corses of young men, who met a vio- 
lent death from this cause, have we seen carried to their long 
home! Every gambler, in the region where we write, is* always 
armed to the teeth, and goes to his horrid pursuit, as the gladiator 
formerly presented himself on the arena of combat. 

13. The picture receives deeper shades, if we take into the 
grouping the ivife, or the daughter, or the mother, who lies sleep- 
less, and ruminating through the long night, trembling lest her 
midnight retirement shall be invaded by those who bring back the 
husband and the father wounded, or slain, in one of those sudden 
+ frays which the card table, its accompaniments, and the passions 
it excites, so frequently generate. Suppose these + forebodings 
should not be realized, and that he should steal home alive in the 
morning, with beggary and drunkenness, guilt and despair, written 
on his + haggard countenance, and accents of sullenness and ill 
temper falling from his tongue, how insupportably gloomy must be 
the prospects of the future to that family ! 

14. These are but feeble and general sketches of the misery and 
ruin to individuals and to society from the indulgence of this vice, 
during the present life. If the wishes of unbelief were true, and 
there were no life after this, what perverse and miserable + calcu- 
lations would be those of the gambler, taking into view only the 
present world! But, in any view of the character and conse- 
quences of gambling, who shall dare close his eyes upon its future 
hearing on the interest and the eternal welfare of his soul ! Who 
shall dare lay out of the calculation the retributions of eternity? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



22:* 



15. Each of the sins that enters into this deadly compound of 
them all, must incur the threatened displeasure and punishment of 
the Almighty. If there be degrees in the misery and despair of 
the "'"tenants of that region, "where the worm dieth not, and the 
fire is not quenched/' how must the persevering and + impenitent 
gambler sink, as if u a millstone were hung about his neck, and he 
cast into the sea ! " Say thou, my youthful reader, I implore 
thee, looking up to the Lord for a firm and unalterable purpose, 
" I will hold fast my integrity and not let it go ! " 

Timothy Flint. 



Questions. —What is said of the influence of the love of gambling 
over an individual ? What is the only safe course to pursue ? What is 
the well-known character of this sin ? What is another appalling view 
of gambling ? What vice is first mentioned as the sure attendant of 
gambling ? What is the evidence supporting this assertion ? What vice 
next follows ? How is it brought on ? What follows next to hard drink- 
ing ? What is said about quarreling and murder ? What is said of thfl 
wife, the mother, and the daughter ? What is the future bearing of this 
vice ? 



LESSON IXXI. 

Remark. — Remember that the chief beauty and excellence of readi ng 
consists in a clear and smooth articulation of the words and letters. 

Pronounce correctly the following words in this lesson ; Sac-ri- 
fic'd, (pro. sac-7*i~fiz'd,), not sa-cri-Jisd: be-nev-o-lence, not be-nev-er- 
lunce: of-fer'd, not of-fud: bit-ter-ness, not bit-ter-niss : yel-low, not 
yelrler: fol-low'd, not fol-Zerd: il-lus-tri-ous, not U-lus-irous: a-bund- 
ance, not ub-xuid-unce. 



3. Al-lure'-nienC, n. something attrac- 
tive. 
7. Plight, 11. state, condition, [specter. 
21. Phan'-tom, t». a fancied vision, a 
23. A-wry', a. (pro, a-ri') turned to one 

side, squinting. 
26. In-an'-i-mate, a. without life. 



32. Vig'-il-ance, n. watchfulness. 
38. De-crep'-it, a. wasted with age. 
43. Prone, a. bending down, not erect. 

De-ba'-sed, a, degraded. 
49. Un-alms'-ed, a. (pro. tin-amzd') U'>t 

having received alms, or charitable 

assistance. 



THE MISER, 



1. Gold many hunted, sweat and bled for gold ; 
Waked ail the night, and labored all the day ; 
And what was this allurement, dost thou ask '( 
A dust dug from the + bowels of the earth, 



224 M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



5. Which, being cast into the fire, came out 

A shining thing that fools admired, and called 

A god ; and in devout and humble plight 

Before it kneeled, the greater to the less ; 

And on its altar, + sacrificed ease, and peace, 
10. Truth, faith, + integrity, good conscience, friends, 

Love, + charity, benevolence, and all 

The sweet and tender + sympathies of life ; 

And, to complete the horrid, + murderous rite, 

And + signalize their folly, offered up 
15. Their souls, and an eternity of bliss, 

To gain them; what? an hour of dreaming joy, 

A feverish hour that hasted to be done, 

And ended in the + bitterness of woe. 

Most, for the + luxuries it bought, the f pomp, 
20. The praise, the glitter, fashion, and renown, 

This yellow phantom followed and adored. 

Eut there was one in folly, further gone, 

With eye awry, + incurable, and wild, 

The laughing stock of devils and of men, 
25. And by his '♦'guardian angel quite given up, 

The miser, who with dust inanimate 

Held wedded intercourse. 

Ill-guided wretch ! 

Thou might' st have seen him at the midnight hour, 
30. When good men slept, and in light-winged dreams 

Ascended up to Grod, — in wasteful hall, 

With vigilance and fasting, worn to skin 

And bone, and wrapped in most + debasing rags, 

Thou might 'st have seen him bending o'er his heap3, 
35. And holding strange + communion with his gold; 

And as his thievish fancy seemed to hear 

The night-man's foot approach, starting alarmed, 

And in his old, decrepit, withered hand, 

That palsy shook, grasping the yellow earth, 
40. To make it sure. 

Of all God made upright, 

And in their nostrils breathed a living soul, 

Most fallen, most prone, most earthy, most + debased ; 

Of all that sold Eternity for Time, 
45. None bargained on so easy terms with death. 

+ Illustrious fool ! Nay, most inhuman wretch ! 

He sat among his bags, and, with a look 

Which hell might be ashamed of, drove the poor 

Away unalmsed, and mid "*" abundance died, 
50. Sorest of evils ! died of utter want. 

POLLOK. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



225 



Questions. — What is the subject of this extract? What are some 
of the evil consequences of the love of money ? What good can wealth 
bestow on its votaries ? What are some of the marks of a miserly char- 
acter ? What are the effects of avarice upon body and mind ? What is 
the miser's fate ? 

Explain the inflections from the 1st to the 27th line. 



LESSON IXXII. 

Remark. — Let the pupil stand at a distance from the teacher, and try 
to read so loud and distinctly, that the teacher may hear each syllable. 

Articulate distinctly. — Pen-al-ty, not pen'l-ty: qual-i-ty, not 
qiiaVty: per-ju-ry, not per-j' ry : law-ful-ly, not law-fly: ex-po-si-tion, 
not ex-p' si-tion: prin-ci-pal, not prin-c' p' I : in-di-rect, not in-W red. 



Ex-act', v. to compel to pay. 

For'-feit, n. that to which the right is 

lost by breach of contract. 
Car'-ri-on, a. putrid. 
Duc'-at, ». a piece of money worth from 

one to two dollars. 
Hu'-mor, n. disposition, fancy. 
Ba'-ned, p. poisoned. 
Gap'-ing, a. open mouthed. 
Strain'-ed, p. forced. 



Ex-po-si'-tion, n. explanation. 

Nom'-i-na-ted, p. named. 

Pen'-al-ty, n. the suffering or los3 to 
which one is subjected by not fulfill- 
ing certain conditions. 

Con'-fis-cate, a. taken away and devoted 
to the public use. 

Al'-ien, (pro. ale' -yen), n. one who is not 
entitled to the privileges of a citizen. 

Cof'-fer, n. treasury. 



SHYLOCK, OR THE POUND OF FLESH. 

Judge. What ! is Antonio here ? 

Antonio. Heady, so please your grace. 

Ju. I am sorry for thee ; thou art come to answer 

A stony + adversary, an inhuman wretch, 

"♦"Incapable of pity. 
Ant. I am armed to suffer. 

( Enter Shi/lock. ) 
Ju. Dost thou now exact the penalty, 

Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh ? 



*<22t> MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Shi/. By our holy Sabbath, I have sworn, 
To have the due and forfeit of my bond. 

Ju. This is no answer, thou unfeeling man, 
To excuse the + current of thy + cruelty. 

Shy. I am not bound to please thee with my answer. 
You'll ask me why I rather choose to have 
A weight of carrion flesh, than to receive 
Three thousand ducats. I'll not answer that : 
But say it is my humor. Is it answered ? 
What if my house be troubled with a rat, 
And I be pleased to give ten thousand ducats 
To have it baned ? What, are you answered yet 1 
Some men there are, love not a gaping pig ; 
Some, that are mad, if they behold a cat ; 
As there is no firm reason to be + rendered, 
Why one can not abide a gaping pig; 
Another, a harmless, necessary cat ; 
So can I give no reason, and I will not, 
More than a lodged hate, and a certain loathing 
I bear Antonio, that I follow thus 
A losing suit against him. 

Ju. Do all men kill the thing3 they do not love ? 

Shy. Hates any man the thing he would not kill ? 

Ant. For thy three thousand ducats, here are six. 

Shy. If every ducat in six thousand ducats 

Were in six parts, and every part a ducat, 

I would not draw them, I would have my bond. 

Ju. How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none ? 

Shy. The pound of flesh which I demand of him, 

Is dearly bought ; is mine ; and I will have it : 

If you deny me, fy upon your law ! 

I stand for + judgment; answer; shall I have it? 

Ju. Antonio, do you confess the bond ? 

Ant. I do. 

Ju. Then must the Jew be merciful. 

Shy. On what + compulsion must I? tell me that. 

Ju. The quality of mercy is not strained ; 

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 
Upon the place beneath ; it is twice blessed ; 
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. 

Shy. My deeds upon my head ! I + crave the law, 
The penalty and forfeit of my bond. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 227 

Ju. Is he not able to discharge the money ? 

Ant. Yes, here I tender it to him in the court ; 

Yea, twice and thrice the sum. 
Shy. I '11 have my bond, I will not take thy offer. 

Ju. There is no power in Venice 

Can alter a + decree + established. 
Shy. wise, wise Judge, how do I honor thee ! 
Ju. I pray you let me look upon the bond. 

(^Gives it to the Judge.} 
Shy. Here 'tis, most + reverend doctor,* here it is. 
Ju. Shylock, there 's thrice thy money offered thee. 
Shy. An oath, an oath, I have in heaven : 

Shall I lay perjury upon my soul ? 

No, not for Venice. 
Ju. Why, this bond is forfeit : 

And lawfully by this the Jew may claim 

A pound of flesh, to be by him cut off 

Nearest the merchant's heart; be merciful; 

Take thrice the money ; bid me tear the bo ad. 
Shy. When it is paid according to the tenor. 

You know the law, your exposition 

Hath been most sound. 

There is no power in the tongue of man 

To alter me : I stand here on my bond. 
Ant. Most heartily do I beseech the court 

To give the judgment. 
Ju. Why, then, thus it is. 

You must prepare your bosom for his knife. 

Shy. noble Judge ! 

Ju. For the intent and purpose of the law 

Hath full relation the penalty, 

Which here appeareth due unto the bond. 
Shy. 'T is very true : wise and upright Judge ! 
Ju. Therefore, lay bare your bosom. ( To Antonio.) 
Shy. Ay, his breast : 

So says the bond ; does it not, noble Judge ? 

Nearest his heart, those are the very words. 
Ju. It is so. Are there balance here, to weigh 

The flesh ? 
Shy. I have them ready. 



* This word here means a learned man. 



228 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Ju. Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, 
To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death. 

Shy. Is it so nominated in the bond ? 

Ju. It is not so expressed; but what of that? 
'T were good you do so much in charity. 

Shy. I can not find it; 't is not in the bond. 

Ju. Come, merchant, have you any thing to say ? 

Ant. But little; I am armed and well prepared. 

Ju. Shylock ! A pound of that same merchant's flesh is thine ! 

The court awards it, and the law doth give it. 
Shy. Most rightful Judge ! 
Ju. And you must cut the flesh from off his breast ; 

The law allows it, and the court awards it. 

Shy. Most learned Judge ! A sentence : come, prepare. 

Ju. Tarry a little; there is something else. 

This bond doth give thee here no jot of blood; 

The words expressly are, a pound of flesh ; 

But, in the cutting it, if thou dost shed 

One drop of Christian blood, thy lands and goods 

Are, by the law of Venice, confiscate 

Unto the State of Venice. 
Shy. Is that the law ? 
Ju. Thyself shalt see the act; 

For, as thou urgest justice, be + assured 

Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desirest. 

Shy. I take his offer, then ; pay the bond thrice, 
And let the Christian go. 

Ju. The Jew shall have all justice ; soft ! no haste ! 
He shall have nothing but the penalty. 
Therefore prepare thee to cut off the flesh. 
Shed thou not blood ; nor cut thou less nor more, 
Than just one pound ; be it but so much 
As makes it light or heavy, in the substance, 
Or the division of the twentieth part 
Of one poor scruple ; nay, if the scale do turn 
But in the + estimation of a hair, 
Thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate. 
Why doth the Jew pause ? take thy + forfeiture. 

Shy. Give me my principal, and let me go. 

Ju. !Thou hast refused it in the open court ; 

Thou shalt have merely justice, and the bond. 

Shy. Shall I not barely have my + principal? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 229 

Ju. Thou shalt have nothing but the forfeiture. 

To be so taken at thy peril, Jew. 
Shy. Why/ then, the devil give him good of it ! 

I J ll stay no longer question. 
Ju. Tarry, Jew : 

The law hath yet another hold on you. 

It is enacted in the laws of Venice, 

If it be proved against an alien, 

That by direct or indirect attempts, 

He seeks the life of any citizen, 

The party 'gainst the which he doth contrive, 

Shall seize one half his goods ; and the other half 

Comes to the privy coffer of the State, 

And the offender's life lies in the mercy 

Of the court only. 
Shy. Take my life, then, and all, and pardon not that. 

You do take my house, when you do take the prop 

That doth sustain my house ; you take my life, 

When you do take the means by which I live. 
Ju. The court in mercy spares thy life, 

But the forfeiture of thy estate 

Comes not within our power to remedy ; 

The law is strict in its demands of justice. 

Are you + contented, Jew ? what dost thou say ? 
Shy. I pray you, give me leave to go from hence ; 

I am not well ; give me leave to go 

Where I may die in peace : 

Since what I hold dearer than my life, 

Is taken from me. 
Ju. The court has mercy on your life ; 

Go, repent, and live, 

And with a softer heart, remember mercy too. 

Shakspeare. 



Questions. — "Why did Shy lock choose the pound of flesh rather 
than the payment of his debt? What does he mean by saying "my 
deeds upon my head ? " In whose favor does the judge decide ? How 
does he eventually relieve Antonio from his danger ? How is Shylock 
punished ? Was his punishment just ? Why ? 

In the last three lines, which are the verbs ? Which of them is in the 
indicative mode ? Which are in the imperative mode? What does the 
word indicative mean ? Why is this mode so called ? What does the 
word imperative moan ? Sec Pinneo's Analytical Grammar, page oJ. 



230 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LXXIII. 

Remark. — Be careful not to read in a faint and low tone, but give 
due force and emphasis to each word. 

Pronounce the following words correctly. — (The fault consists 
in inserting a vowel between consonants which should coalesce) : Sup- 
ply, not sup-pul-ly : press, not pei^-ess : prose, not per-ose: ca-pri-cious, 
not ca-per-i-cious : Dry-den, not Der-y-den: bright-er, not ber-ight-er: 
flights, not fid-iyhts : 



Par'-al-lel, n. a comparison made. 

2. Al-lot'-ed, p. granted, given. 
La'-tent, a. secret, hidden. 
E-ject'-ed, v. dismissed, east out. 

3. Punc-til'-ious, a. very particular. 
6. Scbo-las'-tic, a. scholar-like. 



7. Pred-e-ces'-sor, n. one who has gone 
before another in the same capacity* 
Ex-u'-ber-ance, n. an overflowing 
quantity. 

8. In-ert', a. powerless, inactive. 

9. Dil'-a-to-ry, a. slow, delaying. 



PARALLEL BETWEEN POPE AND DRYDEN. 

1. Pope professed to have learned his poetry from Dryden, 
whom, whenever an opportunity was presented, he praised through 
his whole life with unvaried + liberality; and perhaps his character 
may receive some + illustration, if he be compared with his master. 

2. Integrity of understanding, and nicety of + discernment, 
were not allotted in a less proportion to Dryden than to Pope. 
The rectitude of Dryden' s mind was sufficiently shown by the dis- 
mission of his poetical + prejudices, and the rejection of unnatural 
thoughts and rugged numbers. But Dryden never desired to 
apply all the judgment that he had. He wrote, and professed to 
write, merely for the people ; and when he pleased others, he con- 
tented himself. He spent no time in struggles to rouse latent 
powers ; he never attempted to make that better which was already 
good, nor often to mend what he must have known to be faulty 
He wrote, as he tells us, with very little consideration : when occa- 
sion or necessity called upon him, he poured out what the present 
moment happened to supply, and, when once it had passed the 
press, ejected it from his mind; for, when he had no * pecuniary 
interest, he had no further ^solicitude. 

3. Pope was not content to satisfy; he desired to excel, and 
therefore always endeavored to do his best; he did not court the 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 231 

candor, but dared the judgment of his reader, and, expecting no 
indulgence from others, he showed none to himself. He examined 
lines and words with minute and punctilious observation, and re- 
touched every part with f indefatigable diligence, till he had left 
nothing to be forgiven. 

4. For this reason he kept his pieces very long in his hands, while 
he considered and reconsidered them. The only poems which can 
be supposed to have been written with such regard to the times as 
might hasten their publication, were the two satires of Thirty-eiylit: 
of which Dodsley told me, that they were brought to him by the 
author, that they might be fairly copied. "Every line," said he, 
"was then written twice over; I gave him a clean f transcript, 
which he sent sometime afterward to me for the press, with every 
line written twice over a second time." 

5. His declaration, that his care for his works ceased at their 
publication, was not strictly true. His parental attention never 
abandoned them : what he found amiss in the first edition, he 
silently corrected in those that followed. He appears to have 
revised the Iliad, and freed it from some of its imperfections; and 
the Essay on Criticism received many improvements after its first 
appearance. It will seldom be found that he altered without add- 
ing clearness, + elegance, or + vigor. Pope had perhaps the judg- 
ment of Dryden ; but Dryden certainly wanted the diligence of 
Pope. 

6. In acquired knowledge, the superiority must be allowed to 
Dryden, whose education was more scholastic, and who, before he 
became an author, had been allowed more time for study, with 
better means of information. His mind has a larger range, and 
he collects his * images and illustrations from a more extensive 
circumference of science. Dryden knew more of man in his gen- 
eral nature, and Pope in his local manners. The notions of Dry- 
den were formed hj comprehensive speculation, and those of Pope 
by minute attention. There is more dignity in the knowledge of 
Dryden, and more certainty in that of Pope. 

7. Poetry was not the sole praise of either ; for both excelled 
likewise in prose ; but Pope did not borrow his prose from his 
predecessor. The style of. Dryden is + capricious and varied ; that 
of Pope is cautious and uniform. Dryden obeys the motions of 
his own mind ; Pope constrains his mind to his own rules of com- 
position. Dryden is sometimes + vehement and rapid; Pope is 
always smooth, uniform, and gentle. Dryden' s page is a natural 
field, rising into inequalities, and diversified by the varied exuber- 
ance of abundant vegetation ; Pope's is a velvet lawn, shaven by 
the scythe and leveled by the roller. 



232 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

8. Of genius, that power which constitutes a poet; that quality 
without which judgment is cold, and knowledge is inert; that 
energy which collects, combines, + amplifies, and animates : the 
superiority must, with some hesitation, be allowed to Dryden. It 
must not be inferred, that of this poetical vigor Pope had only 
a little, because Dryden had more ; for every other writer since 
Milton must give place to Pope : and even of Dryden it must be 
said, that if he has brighter paragraphs, he has not better poems. 

9. Dryden' s performances were always hasty, either excited by 
some external occasion or + extorted by domestic necessity; he 
composed without consideration, and published without correction. 
What his mind could supply at call, or gather in one ^excursion, 
was all that he sought, and all that he gave. The dilatory caution 
of Pope enabled him to + condense his sentiments, to multiply his 
images, and to accumulate all that study might produce, or chance 
might supply. If the flights of Dryden, therefore, are higher, 
Pope continues longer on the wing. If the blaze of Dryden' s fire 
is brighter, the heat of Pope's is more regular and constant. 
Dryden often + surpasses expectation, and Pope never falls below 
it. Dryden is read with frequent astonishment, and Pope with 
perpetual delight. 

10. This parallel will, I hope, when it is well considered, be 
found just; and if the reader should suspect me, as I suspect 
myself, of some partial fondness for the memory of Dryden, let 
him not too hastily condemn me : for meditation and inquiry may, 
perhaps, show him the reasonableness of my determination. 

Johnson. 



Question s. — "What is meant by a parallel as used in this lesson ? In 
comparing these two authors, Pope and Dryden, which is considered as 
excelling in genius ? Which in education ? Which bestowed the most 
labor on his poems ? What motive, do you suppose, influenced Pope, in 
preparing his poems? By what motive was Dryden influenced ? Can you 
mention any of the poems of either author ? 

What inflections, in this lesson, are explained by Rule VI, §1? 

Which are the verbs in the last paragraph ? Let the pupil parse each 
one of them. Which are the pronouns, and how is each one of them 
parsed? 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



233 



AKTICULATION. 

Thwack, bludgeon, athwart, brittle, fall'n, draggl'd, brine. 

Thwack went the bludgeon athwart the brittle beam. The fall'n flag 
•was draggVd in the brine. Blotch 'd and bloated, the blear-eyed swag, 
gerer staggered onward. The high bred Briton braves the battle-&e\d. 
The chill precincts of the dreaded tomb. Shot madly from its sphere. 
Life's fitful fever over, he rests well. 



LESSON LXXIV. 

Pronounce correctly. — Per-son-a-ges, not per-son-ij-is : princi- 
pal, not prin-ci-pid : sac-ri-fice, not sa-cri-fls : in-car-nate, not in-car-nit: 
corn-fort, not com-fut: rec-ords, not rec-uds : ex-hi-bi-tions, not ex-er-bi- 
tions: mor-al-i-zing, not mor-er-li-zing . 



10 



Spe-eif-ic, a. particular. 
Sus-cep-ti-bil'-i-ties, n. the quality 
of receiving impressions. 
Class'-ic, a. relating to the ancient 
Greek and Roman authors. 
In-car'-nate, a. clothed in flesh. 
Mosques, n. (pro. mosks) Mohamme- 
dan places of worship. 
Be-reft', p. deprived. [order. 

Cha -os, n. a mixed mas3 without 



11. Teem'-ing,^. being full. 
Fan-tas'-tic, a. unsteady, whimsical. 
Ca-pri'-ces, n. (pro. ca-pree' -ses) 
sudden starts of the mind, whims. 

12. Po'-e-sy, n. poetry. 

13. Mi-nu'-tiae, n. the smaller particulars. 
Ef-front'-er-y, n. shameless boldness. 

14. Wail'-ings, n. loud lamentation. 
En-trance', v. to fill the eoul with 
delight 



HENRY MARTYN AND LORD BYRON. 

1. By reasoning from the known laws of mind, we gain the 
position, that obedience to the Divine law, is the surest mode of 
securing every species of happiness + attainable in this state of 
existence. 

2. The recorded experience of mankind does no less prove, that 
obedience to the law of God is the true path to happiness. To 
exhibit this, some specific cases will be selected, and perhaps a 
fairer illustration can not be presented than the contrasted records 

20 



234 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

of two youthful ^personages who have made the most distinguished 
figure in the Christian, and the literary world : Henry Martyn, the 
missionary, and Lord Byron, the poet. 

3. Martyn was richly endowed with ardent feelings, keen suscep- 
tibilities, and superior intellect. He was the object of many 

affections, and in the principal University of Great Britain, won 
the highest honors, both in classic literature and mathematical 
science. He was flattered, caressed, and admired ; the road to fame 
and honor lay open before him, and the brightest hopes of youth 
seemed ready to be + realized. 

4. But the hour came when he looked upon a lost and guilty 
world, in the light of eternity ; when he realized the full meaniug 
of the sacrifice of our incarnate God ; when he assumed his obliga- 
tions to become a fellow worker in recovering a guilty world from 
the + dominion of sin, and all its future woes. 

5. " The love of God constrained him ; " and without a mur- 
mur, for wretched beings, on a distant shore, whom he never saw, 
of whom he knew nothing but that they were miserable and guilty, 
he relinquished the wreath of fame, forsook the path of worldly 
honor, severed the ties of kindred, and gave up friends, country, and 
home. With every nerve throbbing in anguish at the sacrifice, he 
went forth alone, to + degraded heathen society, to solitude and 
privation, to weariness and painfulness, and to all the trials of 
missionary life. 

6. He spent his days in teaching the guilty and degraded the 
way of pardon and peace. He lived to write the law of his God 
in the wide-spread character of the Persian nation, and to place a 
copy in the hands of its king. He lived to contend with the chief 
Moullahs of Mohammed in the mosques of Shiras, and to kindle a 
flame in Persia, more undying than its fabled fires. 

7. He lived to endure rebuke and scorn, to toil and suffer in a 
+ fervid clime, to drag his weary steps over burning sands, with the 
daily dying hope, that at last he might be laid to rest among his 
kindred, and on his native shore. Yet even this last earthly hope 
was not attained, for after spending all his youth in ceaseless labors 
for the good of others, at the early age of thirty-two, he was laid 
in an unknown and foreign grave. 

8. He died alone, a stranger in a strange land, with no friendly 
form around to + sympathize with and soothe him. Yet this was 
the last record of his dying hand : " I sat in the orchard, and 
thought-with sweet comfort and peace of my God ! in solitude, my 
company ! my friend ! my comforter ! v 

9. And in reviewing the record of his short, yet blessed life, 
even if we forget the + exulting joy with which such a benevolent 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 235 

spirit must welcome to heaven the thousands he toiled to save ; if 
we look only at his years of self-denying trial, where were accu- 
mulated all the sufferings he was ever to feel, we can find more 
evidence of true happiness, than is to be found in the records of 
the youthful poet, who was gifted with every susceptibility of 
happiness, who spent his days in search of selfish enjoyment, who 
had every source of earthly bliss laid open, and drank to the very 
dregs. 

10. We shall find that a mind which obeys the law of G-od, is 
happier when bereft of the chief joys of this world, than a worldly 
man can be when possessed of them all. The remains of Lord 
Byron present one of the most mournful + exhibitions of a noble 
mind in all the wide chaos of ruin and disorder. He, also, was 
naturally endowed with overflowing affections, keen sensibilities, 
quick conceptions, and a sense of moral rectitude. He had all the 
+ constituents of a mind of first-rate order. But he passed through 
existence amid the wildest disorder of a ruined spirit. 

11. His mind seemed utterly unbalanced, teeming with rich 
thoughts and overbearing + impulses, the sport of the strangest 
fancies, and the strongest passions; bound down by no habit, 
restrained by no principle; a singular combination of great con- 
ceptions and fantastic caprices, of manly dignity and childish 
folly, of noble feeling and babyish weakness. 

12. The Lord of Newstead Abbey, the heir of a boasted line of 
+ ancestry, a peer of the realm, the pride of the social circle, the 
leading star of poesy, the hero of Greece, the wonder of the gap- 
ing world, can now be followed to his secret haunts. And there 
the veriest child of the nursery might be amused at some of hi? 
silly weaknesses and ridiculous conceits. Distressed about the cut 
of a collar, fuming at the color of his dress, intensely anxious 
about the whiteness of his hands, deeply "^engrossed with mon- 
keys and dogs, he flew about from one whim to another, with a 
reckless earnestness as ludicrous as it is disgusting. 

13. At times, this boasted hero and genius, seemed naught but 
an overgrown child, that had broken its leading strings and over- 
mastered its nurses. At other times, he is beheld in all the rounds 
of dissipation and the + haunts of vice, occasionally rilling up his 
leisure in recording and + disseminating the disgusting minutiae of 
his weakness and shame, and with an effrontery and stupidity 
equaled only by that of the friend who retails them to the insulted 
world. 

14. Again we behold him philosophizing like a +sage, and 
"♦"moralizing like a Christian; while often from his bosom burst 
forth the repinings of a wounded spirit. He sometimes seemed to 



236 



MOQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



gaze upon his own mind with wonder, to watch its disordered 
powers with curious inquiry, to touch its complaining strings, and 
start at the response ; while often with maddening sweep he shook 
every chord, and sent forth its deep wailings to entrance a wonder- 
ing world. Miss Beecueii. 



Questions. — What truths have we gained by reasoning from the 
known laws of the mind ? What else furnishes us with evidence of the 
same truth, and what two characters are given as examples ? What is 
said of Henry Martyn ? Why did he give up all the honors and pleas- 
ures of life ? Do you suppose he was happier in this life, than he would 
have been if he had lived for his own pleasure ? Will he be happier in 
heaven, for the sacrifices he has made on earth ? Which had the most of 
this world to enjoy, Martyn or Byron ? What is said of Byron ? 



LESSON LXXV. 

Articulate distinctly. — Dif-fer-ent, not dff-f'rent : con-so-la-tion, 
not conrs'la-tion : in-com-pre-hens-i-bly, not in-coyn-pr'en-si-bli/: glo-ri- 
ous, not glo-r'ous: mis-er-a-ble, not mis-r'a-ble: am-or-ous, not amr'ous: 
av-a-ri-cious, not av'ri-cious: pre-doni-i-nates, not pre-doiii 1 nates : 
mem-o-ry, not mem'ry: com-pa-ny, not com-p'ny; fir-ma-ment, not 
Jirm'ment. 



3. Prank'-ish, a. frolicsome. 

i. Pre-doca'-in-ate, v. to have the most 

influence, to prevail. 

Baf -fled, p. defeated. 
6. An-ni-vers'-a-ry, n. a stated day re- 



turning with the revolution of the 
year. 

7. Com-pla'-cen-cy, n. pleasure, satis- 
faction, [to come. 

8. Men'-ace, «. the threatening of evil 



MARTYN AND BYRON. — ( CONTINUED . ) 

1. Both Henry Martyn and Lord Byron shared the sorrows of 
life, and their records teach the different workings of the Christian 
and the worldly mind. Byron lost his mother, and when urged 
not to give way to sorrow, he burst into an agonyof grief, saying. 
" I had but one friend in the world, and now she is gone ! " Ga 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 237 

the death of some of his early friends, he thus writes : " My 
friends fall around me, and I shall be left a lonely tree before I 
am withered. / have no + resource but my own reflections, and 
they present no prospect here or hereafter, except the selfish satis- 
faction of surviving my betters. I am indeed most wretched." 

2. And thus Henry Martyn mourns the loss of one most dear : 
" Can it be that she has been lying so many months in the cold 
grave ? Would that I could always remember it, or always forget 
it; but to think a moment on other things, and then feel the 
remembrance of it come, as if for the first time, rends my heart 
* asunder. my gracious God, what should I do without Thee ! 
But now thou art manifesting thyself as ' the God of all consola- 
tion/ Never was I so near thee. There is nothing in the world 
for which I could wish to live, except because it may please God 
to appoint me some work to do. thou incomprehensibly glorious 
Savior, what hast thou done to alleviate the sorrows of life ! " 

3. It is recorded of Byron, that, in society, he generally ap- 
peared huniortms and prankish; yet, when + rallied on his melan- 
choly turn of writing, his constant answer was, that though thus 
merry and full of laughter, he was, at heart, one of the most 
miserable wretches in existence. 

4. And thus he writes : "Why, at the very hight of desire, and 
human pleasure, worldly, amorous, ambitious, or even avaricious, 
does there mingle a certain sense of doubt and sorrow, a fear of 
what is to come, a doubt of what is ? If it were not for hope, 
what would the future be ? A hell ! As for the past, what pre- 
dominates in memory ? Hopes baffled ! From whatever place we 
commence, we know where it must all end. And yet what good is 
there in knowing it ? It does not make men wiser or better. If I 
were to live over again, I do not know what I would change in my 
life, unless it were for not to have lived at all. All history and 
+ experience teach us, that good and evil are pretty equally bal- 
anced in this existence, and that what is most to be desired, is an 
easy passage out of it. What can it give us but years, and these 
have Utile of good hut their ending.^ 

5. And thus Martyn writes : " I am happier here' in this remote 
land, where I seldom hear what happens in the world, than I was 
in England, where there are so many calls to look at things that 
are seen. The precious Word is now my only study, by means 
of + translations. Time flows on with great rapidity. It seems as 
if life would all be gone before any thing is done. I sometimes 
rejoice that I am but twenty-seven, and that, unless God should 
ordain it otherwise, I may double this number in constant and 
+ successful labor. But I shall not cease from my happiness, and 

Ay from my labor, \y passing into the ether world. }> 



238 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

6. And thus they make their records at anniversaries, when 
the mind is called to review life and its labors. Thus Byron 
writes: "At twelve o'clock I shall have + completed thirty-three 
years ! I go to my bed with a heaviness of heart at having lived 
so long and to so little purpose. * * It is now three minutes 
past twelve, and I am thirty-three ! 

'Alas, my friend, the years pass swiftly by/ 

But I do not regret them so much for what I have done, as for 
what I might have done." 

7. And thus Martyn : " I like to find myself employed use- 
full} T , in a way I did not expect or foresee. The coming year is 
to be a + perilous one, but my life is of little consequence, whether 
I finish the Persian New Testament or not. I look back with 
pity on myself, when I attached so much importance to my life 
and labors. The more I see of my own works, the more I am 
ashamed of them, for coarseness and + clumsiness mar all the works 
of man. I am sick when I look at the wisdom of man, but am 
relieved by reflecting, that we have a city whose builder and 
maker is G-od. The least of his works is refreshing. A dried 
leaf, or a straw, makes me feel in good company, and complacency 
and admiration take the place of disgust. What a momentary 
+ duration is the life of man! 'It glides along, rolling onward 
forever/ may be affirmed of the river ; but men pass away as soon 
as they begin to exist. Well, let the moments pass ! 

' They waft us sooner o'er 

This life's tempestuous sea, 
Soon we shall reach the blissful shore 
Of blest eternity ! * " 

8. Such was the experience of those who in youth completed 
their course. The poet has well described his own + career : 

"A wandering mass of shapeless flame, 
A pathless comet and a curse, 
The menace of the t universe ; 
Still rolling on with innate force, 
"Without a "*" sphere, without a course, 
A bright + deformity on high, 
The + monster of the upper sky ! " 

9. In holy writ we read of those who are "raging waves of 
the sea, foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars, to whom 
is reserved the blackness of darkness forever." The lips of man 
may not apply these + terrific words to any whose doom is yet to 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 239 

be disclosed ; but there is a passage which none can fear to apply. 
u Those that are wise, shall shine as the brightness of the + nrnia- 
ment j and they that turn many to righteousness, as stars forever 
and forever ! " 

Miss Bxecher. 



Questions. — Which had the most comfort in seasons of affliction, 
Byron or Martyn ? How did Byron feel when he was enjoying himself 
most ? How did Martyn feel when he was cut off from most of the 
pleasures that Byron was seeking ? What is described as the difference 
of their feelings at their birth days ? What poetic description may be 
applied to Byron ? 



LESSON LXXVI. 

Articulate each letter in its proper place: Harp and, not liar 
pand: heard entranced, not her dentranced : rapid exhaustless, not 
rapy dexhaustless : fountains in, not fount 1/ nsin: seemed at home, not 
seem dat ome : hand upon, not nan dupon : talked as, not talk das : 
seas and wind and storms, not sea san dwin dan dstorms. 



1. En-tranc'-ed, p. (pro. en-trcm-st') 

charmed, filled with rapture. 
9. Whiles, adv. (put for whilst or 



26. Me'-te-or, n. a luminous hody pass- 
ing through the air. 
56. Mol'-der, v. to decay, to perish. 



while.) 5S. Surge, n. a great rolling swell of 

19. Gar'-land, «. a wreath of flowers. water. (Here used figuratively.) 



BYRON. 



I. He touched his harp, and nations heard, entranced. 
As some vast river of unfailing source, 
Rapid, + exhaustless, deep, his numbers flowed, 
And oped new fountains in the human heart. 
5. "Where fancy halted, weary in her flight, 
In other men, his, fresh as morning, rose, 
And soared untrodden hights, and seemed at home, 
Where angels bashful looked. Others, though great, 
Beneath their argument seemed + struggling whiles, 
10. lie from above descending, stooped to touch 



240 MoGUFFEY'S FOURTH 



The loftiest thought; and proudly stooped, as though 
It scarced deserved his verse. With nature's self 
He seemed an old acquaintance, free to jest 
At will with all her glorious + majesty. 

15. He laid his hand upon the "ocean's mane," 
And played familiar with his hoary locks; 
Stood on the Alps, stood on the Apennines; 
And with the thunder talked, as friend to friend; 
And wove his garland of the lightning's wing, 

20. In f sportive twist, the lightning's fiery wing, 
Which, as the footsteps of the dreadful God, 
Marching upon the storm in + vengeance seemed, 
Then turned, and with the grasshopper, which sung 
His evening song beneath his feet, conversed. 

25. Suns, moons, and stars, and clouds his sisters were; 
Rocks, mountains, meteors, seas, and winds, and storms 
His brothers, younger brothers, whom he scarce 
As equals deemed. 
As some fierce comet of + tremendous size, 

30. To which the stars did + reverence as it passed; 
So he through learning and through fancy took 
His flight sublime; and on the loftiest top 
Of feme's dread mountain sat; not soiled, and worn, 
As if he from the earth had labored up ; 

35. But as some bird of heavenly + plumage fair, 

He looked, which down from higher regions came, 
And "*" perched it there, to see what lay beneath. 
Great man ! the nations gazed, and wondered much, 
And praised : and many called his evil, good. 

40. Wits wrote in favor of his wickedness : 
And kings to do him honor took delight. 
Thus fuli of titles, + flattery, honor, fame; 
Beyond desire, beyond ambition full, 
He died; he died of what? Of wretchedness. 

45. Drank every cup of joy, heard every trump 

Of fame : drank early, deeply drank ; drank "^draughts 
That common millions might have quenched, then died 
Of thirst, because there was no more to drink. 
His goddess nature, wooed, embraced, enjoyed, 

50. Fell from his arms * abhorred; his passion died; 
Died, all but dreary, solitary pride; 
And all his sympathies in being died. 
As some ill-guided bark, well built and tall, 
Which angry tides cast on our desert shore, 

55. And then retiring, leave it there to rot 

And molder in the winds and rains of heaven; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



241 



So he, cut from the + sympathies of life, 

And cast ashore from pleasure's + boisterous surge, 



60. 



A wandering, weary, worn, and wretched thin^ 
Scorched, and desolate, and blasted soul, 
A gloomy wilderness of dying thought, 
Repined and groaned, and withered from the earth. 



Pollos. 



Que stions. — Who was Byron ? Why is he compared to a comet t 
What was his character ? Are talents always a blessing ? Where are 
the Alps ? Where are the Apennines ? What is meant by laying his 
hand upon the " ocean's mane ? " 

Explain the inflections from the 29th line to the end of the lesson. 



LESSON IXSVII. 

Remark. — As each one reads, let all the pupils in the class observe 
and mention every syllable that is not fully and correctly sounded. 

Articulate distinctly. — Dif-fer-ent not dif-f'rent : el-e-gant, 
VLObeVgant: fu-til-i-ty, not Ju-til'ty : ex-pe-ri-enc'd, not ex-pe-r'enc'd : 
il-lu-mi-nate, not il-lu-m'nale : dec-o-ra-tion, not dec'ra-tion : friv-o-lous, 
not friv'lous: oc-ca-sions, not ca-sions : res-o-lu-tions, not res'lu-tions: 
test-i-mony, not test'mcHny. 



2. Fu-til'-i-ty, n. trifiingness, unimport- 
ance. 

Glare, n. a bright dazzling light. 

3. Pul'-ley, n. a small wheel for a run- 
ning cord, with which heavy articles 
are raised. 

4. Fu'-gi-tive, a. soon passing away. 



5. Mer-it-o'-ri-ous, a. deserving of re- 
ward, [tion. 

6. Per'-son-age, n. a person of distinc- 
Per'-ils, n. dangers, risks. 

8. Ex-ult-a'-tion, n, lively joy, great 
gladness. [precious stono. 

9. Ru'-by, n. (plural, rubies), a kind of 



CHESTERFIELD AND PAUL, 



1. To those youthful witnesses,* whose remains show the dif- 
ference between the happiness of those who obey, and those who 
disobey the law of God, may be added the + testimony of two 



21 



Martyn and Byron. 



242 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

who had fulfilled their years. The first was the polished, the 
witty, the elegant, and admired Earl of Chesterfield, who tried 
every source of earthly enjoyment, and, at the end, makes this 
acknowledgment. 

2. "I have seen," says he, "the silly rounds of business and 
of pleasure, and have done with them all. I have enjoyed all 
the pleasures of the world, and + consequently know their futility, 
and do not regret their loss. I + appraise them at their real value, 
which is, in truth, very low ; whereas, those that have not 
experienced, always overrate them. They only see their gay 
outside, and are dazzled at the glare. 

3. " But I have been behind the scenes. I have seen all the 
coarse pulleys and dirty ropes which exhibit and move the gaudy 
+ machines; and I have seen and smelt the tallow candles which 
illuminate the whole decoration, to the astonishment and admira- 
tion of the ignorant + audience. 

4. " When I reflect on what I have seen, what I have heard, 
and what I have done, I can hardly persuade myself, that all that 
f frivolous hurry of bustle and pleasure of the world, had any 
reality; but I look upon all that is passing, as one of those 
romantic dreams, which opium commonly occasions; and I do, by 
no means, desire to repeat the + nauseous dose, for the sake of the 
fugitive dream. 

5. " Shall I tell you that I bear this melancholy situation with 
that meritorious constancy and + resignation, which most people 
boast of? No, for I really can not help it. I bear it, because I 
must bear it, whether I will or not ! I think of nothing but 
killing time the best way I can, now that he has become my 
enemy. It is my resolution to sleep in the carriage during the 
remainder of the journey of life." 

6. The other personage was Paul, the Aged. For Christ and 
the + salvation of those for whom Christ died, Paul "suffered the 
loss of all things ; " and this is the record of his course ; " in 
labors abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more fre- 
quent, in deaths oft; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in 
perils of robbers, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the wilder- 
ness, in perils among false brethren ; in weariness and painfulness, 
in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold 
and nakedness ; and that which cometh daily upon me, the care 
of all the churches. 

7. " We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are 
perplexed, yet not in despair; + persecuted, but not forsaken; cast 
down, but not destroyed. For though our outward man perish, 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 243 

yet the inward man is renewed, day by day. For our light afflic- 
tion, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more 
exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 

8. And, as the time drew near when he was to be " offered up," 
and he looked back on the past course of his life, these are his 
words of + triumphant exultation: "I have fought a good fight! 
I have finished my course ! I have kept the faith ! henceforth 
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which Christ, 
the righteous judge shall give." 

9. To this testimony of the + experience of mankind, may be 
added that of scripture. " Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is 
he ! The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from 
evil understanding. Wisdom is better than rubies, and all the 
things that may be desired, are not to be '•"compared to her. 
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 
Keep sound wisdom, so shall it be life to thy soul. Then shalt 
thou walk in thy way safely, and when thou liest down, thou 
shalt not be afraid, yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall 
be sweet." 

10. And thus the Eedeemer invites to his service : "Come 
unto me" all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give 
you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am 
meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls ! " 

Miss Beechek. 



Questions. — What two persons, who lived to be old, have left their 
testimony in regard to the way to b& happy ? What is said of Lord 
Chesterfield ? How did he look on his past life ? What did he resolve 
to do ? What is said of Paul ? Which was the happier man of the two ? 
What does the Bible say respecting the way of happiness ? 

What inflections, in this lesson, are explained by Rule II, §3, and 
Rule VI, §1 ? 

In the last paragraph, what verbs are in the imperative mode ? Which 
are in the indicative mode ? Which are the pronouns, and for what 
nouns does each one stand ? Which are the adjectives ? Compare those 
that can be compared. Which are the adverbs ? What is the difference 
between the adjective and the adverb ? See Pinneo's Analytical Gram- 
mar, page 16. 



244 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



ARTICULATION. 

Indulged' st, waft'st, tcmpted'st, loved'st. 

Thou indulged' st the appetite. wind! that waft'st us o'er the 
main. Thou tempted'st him. Thou loved'st him fondly. Thou credited'. st 
his story. The lists are open. The light dazzVd his eyes. They were 
puzzl'd by the intricacies of the path. In vain thou muzzl'd'st the 
fierce beast. 



LESSON LXXVIII. 

Articulate clearly all the consonants in the following and similar 
words in this lesson: stability, prosperity, interested, principles, friend, 
suspect, comprehends, fabric, concerns, itself, improvements, perpe- 
trator, extinction, describe, unprotected, trample, restraints. 



1. Rec-og-ni'-tion, n. acknowledgment. 

2. Fab'-ric, n. any system composed of 
connected parts. 

E-ra'-sed, p. blotted out. [a crime. 

3. Per'-pe-tra-tor, n. one that commits 



Ex-tinc'-tion, n. a putting an end 
to. 
4. Fer'-til-ize, v. to make fruitful. 

A'-the-ism, n. disbelief in the exist- 
ence of a God. 



RELIGION THE ONLY BASIS OP SOCIETY. 

1. Religion is a social concern ; for it operates powerfully on 
society, + contributing, in various ways, to its stability and pros- 
perity. Religion is not merely a private affair; the "** community is 
deeply interested in its + diffusion; for it is the best support of the 
virtues and principles, on which the social order rests. Pure and 
undefiled religion is, to do good; and it follows, very plainly, that, 
if God be the Author and Friend of society, then, the recognition 
of him must enforce all social duty, and enlightened piety must 
give its whole strength to public order. 

2. Few men suspect, perhaps no man + comprehends, the extent 
of the support given by religion to every virtue. No man, per- 
haps, is aware, how much our moral and + social sentiments are fed 
from this fountain; how + powerless conscience would become, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 245 

;ut the belief of a God; how palsied would be human benevo- 

:. were there not the sense of a higher benevolence to quicken 

in it; how suddenly the whole social fabric would quake, 

and with what a fearful crash it would sink into hopeless ruin, were 

the ideas of a supreme Being, of accountableness, and of a future 

life, to be utterly erased from every mind. 

8 . And. let men thoroughly believe that they are the work and 
sport of chance; that no superior f intelligence concerns itself 
with human affairs ; that all their improvements perish forever at 
death; that the weak have no guardian, and the injured no avenger; 
that there is no "^recompense for sacrifices to uprightness and the 
public good: that an oath is unheard in heaven; that secret crimes 
have no witness but the perpetrator; that human existence has no 
purpose, and human virtue no unfailing friend ; that this brief life 
:hing to us, and death is total, everlasting extinction; 
once let them thoroughly + abandon religion, and who can conceive 
or describe the extent of the desolation which would follow ! 

-i. We hope, perhaps, that human laws and natural sympathy 
would hold society together. As reasonably might we beli 
that were the sun quenched in the heavens, our torches would 
+ illuminate, and our fires quicken and fertilize the creation. What 
is there in human nature to awaken respect and tenderness, if man 
is the + unprotected insect of a day? And what is he more, if 
atheism be true I 

5. Erase all thought and fear of God from a community, and 
selfishness and sensuality would absorb the whole man. Appetite, 
knowing no restraint, and suffering, having no solace or hope, 
would trample in scorn on the restraints of human laws. Virtue, 
duty, principle, would be mocked and spurned as unmeaning 
sounds. A + sordid self-interest would + supplant every feeling; 
man would become, in fact, what the theory of atheism 
declares him to be, — a companion for brutes. 



QuEsnoys. — "What is the operation of religion upon society ? What 
would be the effect of the removal of religion, upon the ■whole fabric 
of virtue ? Why -would not human laws and sympathies hold society 
her ? 

Point out all the emphatic words in this les 

In the first sentence of the 4th paragraph, what is the subject of the 
verb " hope 2 " What is its object ? What two nominatives form the 
subject of the verb "hold 2 " "What is the object of that verb ? In what 
mode and tense is "would hold?" What are "together" and "per- 
haps*?" What kind of a verb may "hold together" be called? See 
Analytical Grammar, p. 101, §310. 



a>« MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH KEADEE, 



LESSON LXXIX. 

Remaek. — Be careful to give a full sound to the vowels. 

The names of the Deity are seldom pronounced with that full and 
solemn sound that is proper. Lud and Law-ard, and Gud and Gawd, are 
too frequently used, instead of the proper sounds. If the pupil can learn 
to speak the three words, — Lord — God, properly, it will be worth no 
little attention. Every pupil ought to be exercised on these words till 
they are pronounced properly, and in a full and solemn tone. 

Pronounce correctly. — Mer-cy, not mus-sy: nei-ther, or nd-ther: 
Is-ra-el, not Is-r'cl: si-lence, not si-lunce. 



THE GODS OF THE HEATHEN 

1. Not unto us, Lord ! not unto us, 
But unto thy name give glory, 

For thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. 

Wherefore should the + heathen say, 

Where is now their God ? 

But our God is in the heavens : 

He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 

2. Their idols are silver and gold, 
The work of men's hands. 

They have mouths, but they speak not : 
Eyes have they, but they see not : 
They have ears, but they hear not : 
Noses have they, but they smell not : 
They have hands, but they handle not : 
Feet have they, but they walk not : 
Neither speak they through their throat. 
They that make them are like unto them; 
So is every one that + trusteth in them. 

3. Israel! trust thou in the Lord : 
He is their help and their + shield, 

house of Aaron ! trust in the Lord : 
He is their help and their shield. 
Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord : 
He is their help and their shield. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 247 

The Lord hath been + mindful of us : he will bless us ; 
He will bless the house of Israel : 
He will bless the house of Aaron : 
He will bless them that fear the Lord, 
Both small and great. 

The Lord shall + increase you more and more, 
You and your children. 
Ye are blessed of the Lord 
Which made heaven and earth. 

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's : 
But the earth hath he given to the children of men. 
The dead praise not the Lord, 
Neither any that go down into f silence. 
But we will bless the Lord 
From this time forth and for * evermore : 
Praise the Lord ! Bible. 



Questions . — "What is the general sentiment intended to be inspired 
by this Psalm ? What is the contrast made between the true God, and 
the idols of the heathen ? 

Point out the emphatic "words in the 1st paragraph. Explain the inflec- 
tions in the 2nd paragraph, and point out the emphatic words. What 
words in these two paragraphs admit the circumflex ? Which words 
receive a relative emphasis ? In the 5th paragraph, what instances are 
there of relative emphasis ? 

In the 3rd paragraph, for what does the pronoun " their" stand in each 
instance where it is used ? Will you name all the verbs in this lesson 
that are in the imperative mode. In the first line of the 5th paragraph, 
parse "Lord's." In the fourth line of the same paragraph, parse " any." 



ARTICULATION. 

Throne, throng' d, thrush, thorough, through. 

The throne was throng'd with suppliants. The thrush and the oriole 
scem'd to vie in song. He is thorough through all. Springing, swing- 
ing, clinging, the &qq jumps from branch to branch. The subjects were 
appropriate to the circumstances. Reflection is desiraWe under difficult 
exigencies. A catapult is an engine for throwing stones. A cataplasm 
is a soft poultice. Drifting, and almost droicn'd, he drank the briny 
wave. From star to star the livid lightnings flash. 



248 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 



LESSON LXXX. 

Pronounce correctly and Articulate distinctly. — Which, not 
foichi shadow, not shad-der: where, not were: haunt, not haunt; when, 
not wen; east-ward, not east-aid; dis-cov-er-est, not dis-cov-ud ; what, 
not wat ; tor-tur'd not tort-er'd. 



Vis'-ion, 7i. something imagined to 
be seen, though not real. 

3. Ge'-ni-us, ». a good or evil spirit. 
Trans-port'-ing, a. bearing away the 
soul in pleasure. 

4. Af-fa-bil'-i-ty, n. condescension and 
kindness of manner. 
Ap-pre-hen'-sion, n. uneasiness of 
mind occasioned by the fear of evil. 



So-lil'-o-quy, 77. (plural, so-lil-O- 

quies) a talking to one's self. 
6. Con-sum-ma'-tion. n. end,completion. 
8. Pit'-falls, 7i. pits slightly covered 

for the purpose of catching beasta 

or men, 

11. Cim'-e-ter, n. a short, curved sword. 

12, Perch, v. to light upon like a bird, 
14. Ad'-a-mant, n. a very hard stone. 



THE VISION OF MIRZA. 

1. On the fifth day of the moon, which, according to the cus- 
tom of my forefathers, I always kept holy, after having washed 
myself, and offered up my morning devotions, I ascended the high 
hills of Bagdad, in order to pass the rest of the day in meditation 
and prayer. As I was here f airing myself on the tops of the 
mountains, I fell into a profound contemplation on the vanity of 
human life ) and, passing from one thought to another, u Surely/' 
said I, " man is but a shadow, and life a dream." 

2. While I was thus musing, I cast my eyes toward the summit 
of a rock, that was not far from me, where I discovered one, in 
the habit of a shepherd, with a musical instrument in his hand. 
As I looked upon him, he applied it to his lips, and began to play 
upon it. The sound of it was exceeding sweet, and wrought 
into a variety of tunes, that were inexpressibly + melodious, and 
altogether different from any thing I had ever heard. They put 
me in mind of those heavenly airs, that are played to the departed 
souls of good men upon their first arrival in paradise, to wear out 
the impressions of the last agonies, and qualify them for the 
pleasures of that happy place. 

3. My heart melted away in secret raptures. I had been often 
told that the rock before me was the + haunt of a Genius; and 
that several had been entertained with music, who had passed by 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 249 

it, but never heard that the musician had before made himself vis- 
ible. When he had raised my thoughts, by those transporting airs 
which he played, to taste the pleasure of his conversation, as I 
looked upon him, like one astonished, he beckoned to me, and, by 
the waving of his hand, directed me to approach the place where 
he sat. 

4. I drew near, with that reverence which is due to a superior 
nature ; and, as my heart was entirely subdued by the captivating 
strains I had heard, I fell down at his feet, and wept. The Genius 
smiled upon me with a look of compassion and affability that 
+ familiarized him to my imagination, and at once "^dispelled all 
the fears and apprehensions with which I approached him. He 
lifted me from the ground, and taking me by the hand, u Mirza," 
said he, " I have heard thee in thy soliloquies : follow me." 

5. He then led me to the highest pinnacle of the rock, and, 
placing me on the top of it, " Cast thy eyes eastward," said he, 
a and tell me what thou seest." "I see," said I, "a huge valley, 
and a prodigious tide of water rolling through it." " The valley 
that thou seest," said he, "is the valley of misery, and the tide 
of water that thou seest, is part of the great tide of eternity.-" 
" What is the reason," said I, " that the tide I see, rises out of 
a thick mist at one end, and again loses itself in a thick mist at 
the other?" 

6. " What thou seest," said he, " is that portion of eternity 
which is called time, measured out by the sun, and reaching from 
the beginning of the world to its + consummation. Examine 
now," said he, " this sea, that is thus bounded with darkness at 
both ends, and tell me what thou discoverest in it." " I see a 
bridge," said I, "standing in the midst of the tide." "The 
bridge thou seest," said he, " is human life : consider it atten- 
tively." Upon a more + leisurely survey of it, I found that it 
consisted of three score and ten entire arches, with several broken 
arches, which, added to those that were entire, made up the 
number about a hundred. 

7. As I was counting the arches, the Genius told me that the 
bridge consisted, at first, of a thousand arches ; but that a great 
flood swept away the rest, and left the bridge in the ruinous con- 
dition I now beheld it. "But tell me further," said he, "what 
thou discoverest on it." " I see + multitudes of people passing 
over it," said I, " and a black cloud hanging on each end of it." 

8. As I looked more attentively, I saw several of the passen- 
gers dropping through the bridge into the great tide that flowed 
underneath it; and, upon further examination, perceived there 
were innumerable + trapdoors that lay concealed in the bridge, 



250 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

which the passengers no sooner trod upon, but they fell through 
them into the tide, and immediately disappeared. These hidden 
pitfalls were set very thick at the entrance of the bridge, so that 
f throngs of people no sooner broke through the cloud, than many 
of them fell into them. They grew thinner toward the middle, 
but multiplied and lay closer together toward the end of the 
arches that were entire. 

9. There were indeed some persons, — but their number was 
very small, — that continued a kind of + hobbling march on the 
broken arches, but fell through, one after another, being quite 
tired and spent with so long a walk. I passed some time in the 
contemplation of this wonderful structure, and the great variety 
of objects which it presented. 

10. My heart was filled with a deep melancholy, to see several 
dropping, unexpectedly, in the midst of mirth and jollity, and 
catching by every thing that stood by them, to save themselves. 
Some were looking up toward the heavens in a thoughtful posture, 
and in the midst of a speculation, stumbled and fell out of sight. 
Mul titudes were very busy in the pursuit of bubbles, that glittered 
in their eyes, and danced before them; but often, when they 
thought themselves within the reach of them, their footing failed, 
and down they sunk. 

11. In this + confusion of objects, I observed some with cime- 
ters in their hands, and others with lancets, who ran to and fro 
upon the bridge, thrusting several persons on trapdoors, which did 
not seem to lie in their way, and which they might have escaped, 
had not they been thus forced upon them. 

12. The Genius, seeing me -.indulge myself in this melancholy 
prospect, told me that I had dwelt long enough upon it. " Take 
thine eyes off the bridge," said he, "and tell me if thou seest 
any thing thou dost not comprehend." Upon looking up, " What 
mean," said I, " those great flights of birds that are f perpetually 
hovering about the bridge, and settling upon it from time to time ? 
I see vultures, harpies, ravens, cormorants, and, among many 
other feathered creatures, several little winged boys, that perch, in 
great numbers, upon the middle arches." 

13. " These," said the Genius, "are Envy, Avarice, + Super- 
stition, Despair, Love, with the like cares and passions that infest 
human life." I here fetched a deep sigh. " Alas ! " said I, "man 
was made in vain ! how is he given away to misery and mortality ! 
tortured in life, and swallowed up in death." The Genius, being 
moved with compassion toward me, bid me quit so uncomfortable 
a prospect. " Look no more," said he, " on man, in the first 
stage of his existence, in his setting out for eternity; but cast 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 251 

thine eye on that thick mist, into which the tide bears the several 
generations of mortals that fall into it." 

14. I directed my sight as I was ordered, and, whether or not 
the good Genius strengthened it with any + supernatural force, or 
dissipated part of the mist that was before too thick for the eye to 
+ penetrate, I saw the valley opening at the further end, and 
spreading forth into an immense ocean, that had a huge rock of 
adamant running through the midst of it, and dividing it into two 
equal parts. The clouds still rested on one half of it, insomuch 
that I could discover nothing in it : but the other appeared to me 
a vast ocean planted with innumerable islands, that were covered 
with fruits and flowers, and interwoven with a thousand little 
shining seas, that ran among them. 

15. I could see persons dressed in glorious habits, with garlands 
upon their heads, passing among the trees, lying down by the sides 
of fountains, or resting on beds of flowers; and could hear a 
confused + harmony of singing birds, falling waters, human voices, 
and musical instruments. Grladness grew in me, upon the dis- 
covery of so delightful a scene. I wished for the wings of an 
eagle, that I might fly away to those happy seats : but the G-enius 
told me there was no passage to them, except through the gates of 
death, that I saw opening every moment upon the bridge. 

16. " The islands," said he, " that lie so fresh and green before 
thee, and with which the whole face of the ocean appears spotted, 
as far as thou canst see, are more in number than the sands on the 
sea shore. There are + myriads of islands behind those which 
thou here discoverest, reaching further than thine eye, or even 
thine imagination, can extend itself. These are the mansions of 
good men after death, who, according to the degrees and kinds of 
virtue in which they excelled, are distributed among these several 
islands, which abound with pleasures of different kinds and 
degrees, suitable to the relishes and perfections of those who are 
settled in them. Every island is a + paradise accommodated to its 
respective inhabitants. 

17. "Are not these, Mirza, habitations worth contending 
for ? Does life appear miserable, that gives thee opportunities of 
earning such a reward ? Is death to be feared, that will convey 
thee to so happy an existence ? Think not man was made in vain, 
who has such an eternity reserved for him." I gazed, with 
+ inexpressible pleasure, on those happy islands. At length, said 
I, " Show me now, I beseech thee, the secrets that lie under those 
dark clouds, that cover the ocean on the other side of the rock of 
adamant." 

18. The G-enius making me no answer, I turned about to 
address myself to him a second time, but I found that he had left 



252 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



me. I then turned again to the vision which I had been so long 
contemplating ; but, instead of the rolling tide, the arched bridge, 
and the happy islands, I saw nothing but the long hollow valley 
of Bagdad, with oxen, sheep, and camels, grazing upon the sides 
of it. Addison. 



Questions. — What is this kind of fiction called ? Why is the scene 
of almost all allegories laid in the East? Why is instruction conveyed by 
parable or allegory, more likely to be remembered than that communicated 
by any other method ? What is figured by the arches of the bridge ? 
What, by the pitfalls? Who are the persons with cimeters ? What are 
meant by the birds and winged boys ? What do the islands represent ? 
What do you suppose is intended by the "dark clouds," and why did not 
the Genius reply to this question ? 

Explain the inflections in paragraphs 5, 6, and 7. What inflection 
prevails in the 13th paragraph ? 



LESSON IXXXI. 

Remark . — Observe the poetic pauses in the following lines, viz : one 
at the end of each line, and the cesural pause, which occurs near the 
middle of the line. 

Articulate distinctly. — Dust, not duss : just, not juss : old, not 
ole: bold, not bole: rust, not russ: trust, not truss: fast, not f ass: last, 
not lass : lust, not luss : Je-ru-sa-lem, not J'ru-s'lem. 



1. Vas'-sal, n. a servant, a subject. 
Scep'-ter, n. a kind of staff borne by 
kings as a sign of royalty. 

2. Throng, n. a crowd, a great multitude. 

3. Her'-ald-ed, p. introduced as if by a 
herald. 

Rue, v. to regret deeply. 



4. Ran'-som-ed, a. rescued from death 
or captivity by paying an equiva- 
lent. 

5. Gor'-geous, a. showy, splendid. 
Mar'-tyr, n. one who suffers death in 
defense of what he believes to be 
the truth. 



A DIRGE. 

" Earth to earth, and dust to dust!" 
Here the evil and the just, 
Here the youthful and the old, 
Here the fearful and the bold, 
Here the + matron and the maid, 
In one silent bed are laid; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 253 

Here the vassal and the king, 
Side by side, lie + withering : 
Here the sword and scepter rust : 
" Earth to earth, and dust to dust ! " 

2. Age on age shall roll along, 

O'er this pale and mighty throng; 
Those that wept them, those that weep, 
All shall with these sleepers sleep : 
Brothers, sisters of the worm, 
Summer's sun, or winter's storm, 
Song of peace, or battle's roar, 
Ne'er shall break their slumbers more; 
Death shall keep his + sullen trust: 
"Earth to earth, and dust to dust!" 

3. But a day is coming fast, 
Earth, thy mightiest and thy last ! 
It shall come in fear and wonder, 
Heralded by trump and thunder : 
It shall come in strife and toil; 
It shall come in blood and spoil; 
It shall come in + empires' groans, 
Burning temples, + trampled thrones : 
Then, + ambition, rue thy lust ! 

" Earth to earth, and dust to dust ! " 

4. Then shall come the + judgment sign; 
In the east, the King shall shine; 
Flashing from heaven's golden gate, 
Thousands, thousands round his state, 
Spirits with the crown and plume; 
Tremble, then, thou solemn tomb; 
Heaven shall open on our sight; 
Earth be turned to living light, 
"♦"Kingdom of the ransomed just ! 

" Earth to earth, and dust to dust ! " 

5. Then thy mount, Jerusalem, 
Shall be gorgeous as a gem : 
Then shall in the desert rise 
Fruits of more than + Paradise, 
Earth by angel feet be trod, 
One great garden of her God ! 
Till are dried the martyr's tears 
Through a thousand "♦"glorious years: 
Now in hope of him we trust : 

"Earth to earth, and dust to dust!" Choly. 



254 



M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Questions. — For what occasion is a "Dirge " used ? What is incul' 
cated in the 1st stanza ? What is taught in the 2d stanza? What, in the 
4th ? What, in the 5th ? What is the argument of the whole ? 

To what words in this lesson, does Rule VI, §1, for inflections, apply ? 
To what, Rule II ? To what, Rule IV ? 

Parse the first " earth," in the first line. 



LESSON LXXXII. 

Remark. — In reading any thing solemn, a full, slow, and distinct 
manner should be preserved, and particular attention paid to the stops. 

Pronounce correctly and Articulate distinctly. — Might-i-ly, not 
might' ly : re-mem-ber'd, not re-mem-bud : lux-u-ri-ous, not lux-u-r'oti.s : 
wid-ow, not wid-der : mourn-ing, not mourn-in: o-dor-ous, not o-d'rous: 
i-vo-ry, not i-ver-y, nor i-v'ry: del-i-ca-cies, not del 'ca-cies : trump-et-ers, 
not trum'p-tuz. 



G. De'-uions, n. evil spirits. 
21. Lux-u'-ri-ous, a, indulging exces- 
sively in pleasure. 
31. Be-wa.il', v. to grieve for. 
44. O'-dor-ous, a. sweet smelling. 
47. A-mo'-mum, n. a spicy plant, or fruit. 



65. Mar'-in-ers, n. seaman. 

72. Wax'-ed, v. grew. [dor. 

73. Cost'-li-ness,n. expensiveness, splcn- 
81. Ar-tif'-i-cer, n. a mechanic or manu- 
facturer. 

86. Sor'-ce-ries, n. magic, witchcraft. 



THE TALL OF BABYLON. 

1. And after these things, I saw another angel descending from 

heaven, 
Having great power : and the earth was enlightened with his 

glory: 
And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 
She is fallen ! she is fallen ! 
5. Babylon the great ! 

And is become the habitation of demons, 

And the hold of every impure spirit; 

And the cage of every impure and + hateful bird ; 

For in the wine of the wrath of her lewdness hath she 

pledged all nations ; 
10. And the kings of the earth have with her committed lewdness ; 
And the + merchants of the earth, from the excess of her 

wanton luxury, have waxed rich. 
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, 
Come out of her, my people ; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 255 

That ye be not partakers of her sins, 
15. And of her plague that ye may not receive : 

For her sins have reached up unto heaven, 

And Grod hath remembered her "*" iniquities : 

Repay to her as she also hath repaid, 

And double to her double, according to her works. 
20. In the cup which she hath mingled, mingle to her double ; 

As much as she hath glorified herself and played the luxuri- 
ous wanton, 

So much give to her torment and sorrow : 

For in her heart she saith : 

" I sit a queen 
25. And a widow am not I : 

And sorrow I shall not see ; " 

Therefore, in one day, shall come her plagues ; 

Death, and mourning, and famine. 

And with fire shall she be consumed I 
30. For strong is the Lord God, who hath passed sentence upon her. 

Then shall bewail her, and smite the breast for her, 

The kings of the earth who have committed 

Lewdness with her, and lived in wanton luxury, 

When they shall see the smoke of her burning, 
35. Standing afar off, because of the fear of her torment; saying, 

" Woe ! Woe ! the great city, Babylon, the strong city ! 

In one hour thy judgment is come ! '■ 

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her, 

For their *** merchandise no man buyeth any more : 
40. Merchandise of gold and silver; 

Of precious stones and pearls ; 

And of fine linen and of purple ; 

And of silk and scarlet ; 

And every odorous wood and every vessel of ivory ; 
45 And every vessel of most precious wood ; 

And of brass, and iron, and marble ; 

And * cinnamon and amomumj 

And + perfumes, and + myrrh, and + incense; 

And wine and oil; 
50. And fine flour and wheat ; 

And cattle and sheep ; 

And horses, and chariots, and slaves; 

And the souls of men : 

And the autumnal fruits of thy soul's desire are gone from thee ; 
55. And all + delicacies and splendors have + vanished from thee; 

And thou shalt never find them any more ! 

The merchants of these things, who were enriched by her, 

Shall stand afar off because of the fear of her torment, 

Weeping and mourning ; saying, 



256 M° GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

60. " Woe ! Woe ! the great city ! 

She, who was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, 

And was decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls j 

For in one hour is brought to + desolation this so great 
wealth!" 

And every shipmaster, and every + supercargo, 
65. And mariners, and all who labor on the sea, 

Stood afar off, and cried aloud, 

When they saw the smoke of her burning ; saying, 

" What city, like the great city ! " 

And they cast dust upon their heads, 
70. And cried aloud, weeping and mourning ; saying, 

" Woe ! Woe ! the great city ! 

Wherein all who had ships upon the sea waxed rich 

By her costliness ; 

For in one hour has she been made + desolate \" 
75. Rejoice over her thou heaven ! 

And ye saints ! and ye apostles ! and ye prophets ! 

For God hath for her crimes against you passed sentence 
upon her ! 

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a huge millstone, 
and cast it into the sea ; saying, 

u Thus with violence shall be thrown down Babylon the great 
city, and shall be found no more : 
80. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and flute players, 
and trumpeters shall be heard in thee no more : 

And any artificer of any ingenious art shall be found in thee 
no more : 

And the sound of a millstone shall be heard in thee no more: 

And the light of a lamp shall be seen in thee no more : 

And the voice of the bridegroom, and of the bride, shall be 
heard in thee no more : 
85. For thy merchants were the great ones of the earth ; 

For by thy sorceries were deceived all the nations ; 

And in her, the blood of prophets and saints hath been found, 

And of all those who were slain upon the earth." 

And after these things, I heard as it were, the voice of a great 
multitude in heaven, saying, + " Hallelujah ! 
90. + Salvation, and glory, and honor, 

And power, be unto the Lord our G-od ! 

For true and righteous are his judgments; 

For he hath judged the great harlot 

Who corrupted the earth with her lewdness ; 
95. And he hath + avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." 

And, a second time, they said, " Hallelujah ! " 

And her smoke ascendeth forever and ever ! 

Jf.eb's Sacked Liteuatuee. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 257 

Questions. — To what city does this prophecy refer? From what 
book is it taken? Why is evil denounced upon Babylon? Who are repre- 
sented as lamenting her fall ? Who are they that sing "hallelujah" to 
God ? How long ago was this prophecy written ? Is it supposed to be 
yet fulfilled ? Is Babylon, here, the real name of the city, or is it used 
figuratively ? Where was the Babylon whose destruction is foretold in 
the Old Testament ? Was that fulfilled ? 

To what inflections in this lesson is Rule II, §3, applicable? To what, 
Rule II, §2, and §4 ? 

Which nouns in the lesson specify the merchandise spoken of in the 
39th and 40th lines ? Farse the sixteen nouns found in lines 47 to 53 
inclusive. Farse each word contained in the 60th line. 



LESSON IXXXIII. 

Remark. — In reading poetry, that does not rhyme, the pauses should 
be regulated chiefly by the sense, as in prose. The poetic measure, how- 
ever, should be observed, whenever it is consistent with the sense, and the 
construction of the sentence. 

Pronounce correctly and Articulate distinctly. — Ru-ins, 
not runes: burst, not buss: bul-warks, not bul-wuks : pal-ace, not 
pal-i~ss: lab-y-rinth, not lab-er-inth, nor lab'rinth: wan-der-ing, not 
tvan-d'riu: dan-ger-ous, not dan-g'rous: aw-ful, not awe-f'l: col-urn ns, 
not col-yums: whith-er-ward, not icith-er-icud. 



1. Domes, n. buildings. . Bask'-ed, v. lay in the sun. 

Dusk'-y, a. dark, gloomy. Sanct'-u-a-ry, ». a place devoted to 



Bit'-tern, n. a water fowl. 

Boom, n. the sound which the bittern 

makes. 

Char-i-ot-eer', n. one who drives a 

chariot. 

Por'-tals, n. gates. 

Bul-warks, n. walls, means of defense. 



the worship of God. 
3. A-e'-ri-al, a. placed in the air. 

Do'-tage, n. the childishness of old 

age. 

Fane, n. a temple. 

Be'-lus, r, one of the Gods of Babylon. 

De'-vi-ous, a. out of the common way. 



THALABA AMONG THE RUINS OP BABYLON 



The many-colored domes * 
Yet wore one dusky hue; 
The cranes upon the + mosque 
Kept their night + clatter still ; 



* Cf Basrdad. 



258 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

When through the gate the early traveler passed. 
And when, at evening, o'er the swampy plain 

The bittern's boom came far, 

Distinct in darkness seen, 
Above the low + horizon's lingering light, 
Rose the near ruins of old Babylon. 

2. Once, from the lofty walls the charioteer 

Looked down on swarming + myriads ; once she flung 
Her arches o'er Euphrates' conquered tide, 
And, through her brazen portals, when she poured 
Her armies forth, the distant nations looked 
As men who watch the thunder cloud in fear, 
Lest it should burst above them. She was fallen ! 
The queen of cities, Babylon was fallen ! 
Low lay her bulwarks; the black + scorpion basked 
In palace courts; within the sanctuary 
The she-wolf hid her whelps. 

3. Is yonder huge and shapeless heap, what once 
Hath been the aerial gardens, hight on hight, 
Rising, like Media's mountains, crowned with wood, 
Work of + imperial dotage ? Where the fane 

Of Belus ? Where the golden image now, 
Which, at the sound of dulcimer and lute, 
Cornet and sackbut, harp and psaltery, 

The Assyrian slaves + adored? 
A labyrinth of ruins, Babylon 

Spreads o'er the blasted plain. 
The wandering Arab never sets his tent 
Within her walls. The shepherd eyes afar 
Her evil towers, and devious, drives his flock. 
Alone unchanged, a free and + bridgeless tide, 

Euphrates rolls along, 

Eternal nature's work. 

4. Through the broken portal, 
Over weedy + fragments, 
Thalaba went his way. 
Cautious he trod, and felt 

The dangerous ground before him with his bow. 

The jackal started at his steps; 

The stork, alarmed at sound of man, 
From her broad nest upon the old pillar top, 

Affrighted fled on flapping wings; 

The adder, in her haunts disturbed, 
Lanced at the + intruding staff her arrowy tongue 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 259 

5. Twilight and moonshine, dimly mingling, gave 

An awful light + obscure : 

Evening not wholly closed, 

The moon still pale and faint : 

An awful light obscure, 
Broken by many a mass of blackest shade ; 
Long columns stretching dark through weeds and "'"moss; 

Broad length of lofty wall, 

Whose windows lay in light, 
And of their former shape, low-arched or square, 

Bude outline on the earth 

Figured with long grass fringed. 

6. Beclined against a column's broken * shaft, 
Unknowing whitherward to bend his way, 

He stood and gazed around. 
The ruins closed him in : 
•It seemed as if no foot of man 
For ages had + intruded there. 
He stood and gazed awhile, 
+ Musing on Babel's pride, and Babel's fall; 
Then, through the ruined street, 
And through the further gate, 
He passed in silence on. 

SOUTHEY. 



Questions. — Where was Babylon situated, and of what was it the 
capital ? How could a charioteer look down from the walls ? Do you 
understand what is meant by the aerial gardens ? Do you recollect any 
thing in the Bible about the " golden image " here mentioned ? What 
was formerly the condition of Babylon ? What became of the city ? 
What is here represented as the appearance of the place where it stood ? 
Where was its ruin foretold ? 



ARTICULATION, 



Fragrance and aromatic odors every where. Frolic and gleesomeness 
characterized the scene. We arranged the change. Chance and change 
await all. Thou troubl'st thy father's friends. The sculptor has 
executed three busts. The swift dark whirlwind that uproots the 
woods. 



260 



MoGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LXXXIV. 

Remark — Avoid reading in a monotonous "way, as if you were not 
interested, and did not understand -what you read. 

Pronounce correctly. — Sub-due, not sub-doo, nor sub-jue: reg-u- 
la-tions, not reg-ew-la-tions, nor reg-gy-la-tions: stren-u-ous, not slrcn- 
eio-ous: spec-u-la-tion, not spec-Jcy-la-tion: val-u'd, (pro. val-yude), not 
val-ewd : vir-tue, not vir-too, nor vir-tew, nor vir-tshue : su-pe-ri-or, not 
shu-pe-ri-ar : sur'-vey, not sur-vey' (the noun is pronounced sur'-vey, 
and the verb, sur-vey' ). 



3. Pol'-i-cy, n. the art of governing 
nations. 

4. Stren'-u-ous, a. bold, active. 

5. lleg'-is-ter, ». a book in which re- 
cords are kept. 

Dis'-taff, n. the staff of a spinning 
wheel, to which flax is tied. 



6. Pan-e-gyr'-ic, n. praise bestowed on 
eminent persons. 

Chi-me'-ra, n. a vain or idle fancy. 
9. Drudg'-er-y, n. hard labor. 
10. Ar-tif -i-cer, n. one who makes and 

contrives. 
13. Ef-fem'-i-nate, a. womanish, tender. 



BENEFITS OF LITERATURE. 

1. Hercules. Do you pretend to sit as high on Olympus as 
Hercules ? Did you kill the Nemaean lion, the Erymanthian boar, 
the Lernean serpent, and Stymphalian birds? Did you destroy 
tyrants and robbers ? You value yourself greatly on subduing one 
serpent : I did as much as that while I lay in my cradle. 

2. Cadmus. It is not on account of the serpent, that I boast 
myself a greater + benefactor to Greece than you. Actions should 
be valued by their utility, rather than their splendor. I taught 
Greece the art of writing, to which laws owe their + precision and 
+ permanency. You subdued monsters; I civilized men. It is 
from untamed passions, not from wild beasts, that the greatest 
evils arise to human society. By wisdom, by art, by the united 
strength of a civil community, men have been enabled to subdue 
the whole race of lions, bears, and serpents ; and, what is more, 
to bind by laws and wholesome regulations, the ferocious violence 
and dangerous treachery of the human disposition. Had lions 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 261 

been destroyed only in single combat, men had had but a bad 
time of it ; and what, but laws, could awe the men who killed 
the lions ? 

3. The genuine glory, the proper distinction of the rational 
species, arises from the perfection of the mental powers. Courage 
is apt to be fierce, and strength is often exerted in acts of + op- 
pression : but wisdom is the associate of justice. It assists her 
to form equal laws, to pursue right measures, to correct power, 
protect weakness, and to unite individuals in a common interest 
and general welfare. Heroes may kill tyrants, but it is wisdom 
and laws that prevent tyranny and oppression. The operations of 
policy far surpass the labors of Hercules, preventing many evils 
which valor and might can not even + redress. You heroes regard 
nothing but glory : and scarcely consider whether the conquests, 
which raise your fame, are really beneficial to your country. 
Unhappy are the people who are governed by valor not directed 
by prudence, and not + mitigated by the gentle arts. 

4. Hercules. I do not expect to find an admirer of my strenu- 
ous life, in the man who taught his countrymen to sit still and 
read ; and to lose the hours of youth and action in idle + specula- 
tion and the sport of words. 

5. Cadmus. An ambition to have a place in the registers of 
fame, is the Eurystheus which imposes heroic labors on mankind. 
'The Muses "^incite to action, as well as entertain the hours of 
repose; and I think you should honor them for presenting to 
heroes so noble a "^recreation, as may prevent their taking up the 
distaff when they lay down the club. 

6. Hercules. Wits as well as heroes can take up the distaff. 
What think you of their thin-spun * systems of philosophy, or 
lascivious poems, or Milesian fables? Nay, what is still worse, 
are there not panegyrics on tyrants, and books that + blaspheme 
the gods, and perplex the natural sense of right and wrong ? I 
believe if Eurystheus were to set me to work again, he would find 
me a worse task than any he imposed ; he would make me read 
over a great library ; and I would serve it as I did the Hydra, I 
would burn it as I went on, that one chimera might not rise from 
another, to plague mankind. I should have valued myself more 
on clearing the library, than on cleansing the Augean stables. 

7. Cadmus. It is in those libraries only, that the memory of 
your labor exists. The heroes of Marathon, the patriots of 
■•* Thermopylae, owe their fame to me. All the wise institutions 
of lawgivers, and all the doctrines of sages, had perished in the 
ear, like a dream related, if letters had not preserved them. 
Hercules ! it is not for the man who preferred Virtue to Pleasure, 



262 

to be an enemy to the Muses. Let Sardanapalus and the silken 
sons of luxury, who have wasted life in inglorious ease, despise 
the records of action, which bear no honorable testimony to their 
lives : but true merit, heroic virtue, should respect the sacred 
source of lasting honor. 

8. Hercules. Indeed, if writers employed themselves only in 
recording the acts of great men, much might be said in their 
favor. But why do they trouble people with their meditations ? 
Can it be of any consequence to the world what an idle man has 
been thinking ? 

9. Cadmus. Yes, it may. The most important and extensive 
advantages mankind enjoy, are greatly owing to men who have 
never quitted their closets. To them mankind are obliged for the 
facility and security of + navigation. The invention of the com- 
pass has opened to them new worlds. The knowledge of the 
mechanical powers has enabled them to construct such wonderful 
machines, as perform what the united labor of millions, by the 
severest drudgery, could not accomplish. + Agriculture, too, the 
most useful of arts, has received its share of improvement from 
the same source. Poetry, likewise, is of excellent use, to enable 
the memory to retain with more ease, and to imprint with more 
energy upon the heart, precepts and examples of virtue. From 
the little root of a few letters, science has spread its branches over 
all nature, and raised its head to the heavens. Some philosophers 
have entered so far into the counsels of Divine Wisdom, as to 
explain much of the great operations of nature. The + dimensions 
and distances of the planets, the causes of their + revolutions, the 
path of comets, and the ebbing and flowing of tides, are under- 
stood and explained. 

10. Can any thing raise the glory of the human species more, 
than to see a little creature, inhabiting a small spot, amid innu- 
merable worlds, taking a survey of the universe, comprehending 
its arrangement, and entering into the + scheme of that wonderful 
connection and correspondence of things so remote, and which it 
seems a great exertion of Omnipotence to have established ? 
What a volume of Wisdom, what a noble theology, do these 
discoveries open to us ? While some superior geniuses have soared 
to these sublime subjects, other + sagacious and diligent minds 
have been inquiring into the most minute works of the Infinite 
Artificer : the same care, the same Providence, is exerted through 
the whole ; and we should learn from it, that, to true wisdom, 
utility and fitness appear perfection, and whatever is beneficial, 
is noble. 

11. Hercules. I approve of science, as far as it is an assistant to 
action. I like the improvement of navigation, and the discovery 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 263 

of the greater part of the globe, because it opens a wider field 
for the master spirits of the world to bustle in. 

12. Cadmus. There spoke the soul of Hercules. But if 
learned men are to be esteemed for the assistance they give to 
active minds in their schemes, they are not less to be valued for 
their endeavors to give them a right direction, and moderate their 
too great + ardor. The study of history will teach the legislator, 
by what means states have become powerful ; and, in the private 
citizen, they will inculcate the love of liberty and order. The 
writings of sages point out a private path of virtue, and show that 
the best empire is self-government, and that + subduing our pas- 
sions, is the noblest of conquests. 

13. Hercules. The true spirit of patriotism acts by a generous 
impulse, and wants neither the experience of history, nor the 
doctrines of philosophers, to direct it. But do not arts and science 
render men effeminate, luxurious, and inactive ? And can you deny 
that wit and learning are often made f subservient to very bad 
purposes ? 

11. Cadmus. I will own, that there are some natures so happily 
formed, they scarcely want the assistance of a master, and the 
rules of art, to give them force or grace in every thing they do. 
But these favored geniuses are few. As learning flourishes only 
where ease, plenty, and mild government subsist, in so rich a soil, 
and under so soft a climate, the weeds of luxury will spring up 
among the flowers of art: but the "^spontaneous weeds would 
grow more rank, if they were allowed the undisturbed possession 
of the field. Letters keep a frugal, temperate nation from 
growing ferocious ; a rich one from becoming entirely sensual and 
debauched. 

15. Every gift of heaven is sometimes abused; but good sense 
and fine talents, by a natural law, gravitate toward virtue. Ac- 
cidents may drive them out of their proper direction ; but such 
accidents are an alarming + omen, and of dire + portent to the 
times. For If virtue can not keep to her allegiance those men, 
who, in their hearts confess her divine right, and know the value 
of her laws, on whose fidelity and obedience can she depend? 
May such geniuses never descend to flatter vice, encourage folly, 
or propagate irreligion ; but exert all their powers in the service 
of Virtue, and + celebrate the noble choice of those, who, like 
Hercules, preferred her to Pleasure ! Loed Lyttletox. 



Questions. — Who was Hercules ? Can you enumerate some of his 
principal exploits, as described in this dialogue ? Who was Cadmus ? 
What did he do ? How should actions be valued ? From what must the 
genuine glory of rational beings arise ? To which of his labors does 



264 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Hercules compare the reading of a modern library ? Since so much trash 
and folly is written, what is the use of writers ? "What does Hercules 
think of science ? What is patriotism ? 

Will you point out some instances in this lesson to which Rule I, for 
inflections, applies ? Rule II ? Rule III ? Rule IV ? Rule V ? Rule 
VI ? Point out some instances of absolute emphasis. Of relative 
emphasis. 

Which are the conjunctions in the 12th paragraph ? Which are the 
adverbs ? Which are the prepositions ? What verbs are in a past tense ? 
Which are in the present tense ? Which are in a future tense ? Which 
nouns are in the plural number ? Which are in the singular? 



LESSON IXXXV. 

Remark. — Speak every syllable distinctly, and do not slip over the 
little words, nor pronounce them wrong. 

Articulate distinctly the following and similar words in this 
lesson : World, not ivorl : no-blest, not no-bles : gift, not gif: re-flect, 
not re-Jlec ; just, not juss ; e-van-ge-list, not e-van-gel-iss. 



Class'-ic, n. a book written by an 
author of the first class. 
An-tiq'-ui-ty, «. great age. 
Un-ri'-val-ed, ]). having no equal. 
Au-then-tic'-i-ty, n. genuineness, the 
quality of being a real original. 



Sanc'-tion, n. authority. 

3. Vers'-a-tile, a. (pro. vers'-a-til) vari- 
ous in application. 

4. Vin'-di-ca-ted, v. defended, justified. 
6. Ser'-aph, n. an angel of the highest 

order. 



THE BIBLE THE BEST OF CLASSICS. 

1. There is a classic, the best the world has ever seen, the 
noblest that has ever honored and + dignified the language of mor- 
tals. If we look into its antiquity, we discover a title to our 
veneration, unrivaled in the history of + literature. If we have 
respect to its evidences, they are found in the testimony of miracle 
and prophecy ) in the ministry of man, of nature, and of angels, 
yea, even of "God, manifest in the flesh/' of "God blessed 
forever." 

2. If we + consider its authenticity, no other pages have sur- 
vived the lapse of time, that can be compared with it. If we 
* examine its authority, for it speaks as never man spake, we 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 265 

discover, that it came from heaven, in vision and prophecy, under 
the sanction of Him, who is Creator of all things, and the Giver 
of every good and perfect gift. 

3. If we reflect on its truths, they are lovely and spotless, 
sublime and holy, as God himself, unchangeable as his nature, 
durable as his righteous + dominion, and versatile as the moral 
condition of mankind. If we regard the value of its treasures, 
we must + estimate them, not like the relics of classic antiquity, 
by the perishable glory and beauty, virtue and happiness, of this 
world, but by the enduring perfection and supreme + felicity of an 
eternal kingdom. 

4. If we inquire, who are the men, that have + recorded its 
iruths, vindicated its rights, and illustrated the excellence of its 
scheme, from the depth of ages and from the living world, from 
the populous continent and the isles of the sea, comes forth the 
answer; the patriarch and the prophet, the evangelist and the 
+ martyr. 

5. If we look abroad through the world of men, the victims 
of folly or vice, the + prey of cruelty, of injustice, and inquire 
what are its benefits, even in this + temporal state, the great and 
the humble, the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, the 
learned and the ignorant reply, as with one voice, that humility 
and + resignation, purity, order and peace, faith, hope, and charity, 
are its blessings upon earth. 

6. And if, raising our eyes from time to eternity, from the world 
of mortals to the world of just men made perfect, from the visible 
creation, "*" marvelous, beautiful, and glorious as it is, to the invis- 
ible creation of angels and seraphs, from the footstool of God, to 
the throne of God himself, we ask, what are the blessings that 
flow from this single volume, let the question be answered by the 
pen of the evangelist, the harp of the prophet, and the + records 
of the book of life. 

7. Such is the best of classics the world has ever admired ; such, 
the noblest that man has ever adopted as a guide. Grimke. 



Questions. — "Why is the Bible called a classic? What is said of 
the antiquity of the Bible ? What is said of its evidences ? What, of 
its authenticity ? What, of the nature of its truths ? What, of the men 
who wrote it and have defended it ? What is said of the change it pro- 
duces in the character of men ? What, of its bearing upon our future 
prospects ? 

In the 3d paragraph, which verbs are in the subjunctive mode ? Which 
are the adjectives in the first sentence of that paragraph ? Compare 
each one of them. What part of speech is "they " and for what does it 
stand ? Parse "God," " natures," " dominion," and "condition." 



26*0 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LXXXVI. 

Remark. — Let each pupil in the class observe and mention every 
syllable that is not sounded as each one reads. 

Pronounce correctly. — An-gel (pro. ane-gel), not ann-gel: heard 
(pro. herd), not heerd: de-mands, not dum-ands: com-pli-cate, not 
com-pli-kit: ex'-quis-ite, not ex / -quis / -ite : ab-so-lute, not ab-ser-iute: 
hus-bands, not hus-bimds. 



1. Note, n. notice. [bell. 

5. Knell, n. the Bound of the funeral 
9. Verge, n. the brink, the edge. 

14. Ab'-ject, a. worthless, mean. 
Au-gust', o. grand, majestic. 

15. Com'-pli-cate, a. complex, composed 
of many parts. 

19. Ex'-quis-ite, a. nice, complete. 
22. E-the'-ro-al, a. heavenly. 



Sul'-lied, p. stained, soiled. 

Ab-sorpt', p. wasted, swallowed up. 
39. Ean-tas'-tic, o. fanciful, existing 

only in imagination. 
44. An'-tic, o. odd, fanciful. [cate. 

46. Sub'-tler, a. (pro. eut-tler) more cleli- 

Es'-sence, n. existence, substance. 
51. Weal, ». prosperity. f«my. 

Hus'-band, v. to manage with e«on~ 



MIDNIGHT MUSINGS. 

1. The bell strikes One. We take no note of time 
But from its loss : to give it then a tongue 
Is wise in man. As if an angel spoke 
I feel the solemn sound. If heard aright, 

5. It is the knell of my departed hours. 

"Where are they ? With the years beyond the flood. 
It is the signal that demands + dispatch. 
How much is to he done ! My hopes and fears 
Start up * alarmed, and o'er life's narrow verge 
10. Look down — on what? A fathomless + abyss, 
A dread eternity, how surely mine ! 
And can eternity belong to me, 
Poor + pensioner on the bounties of an hour? 

How poor, how rich, how abject, how august, 
15. How complicate, how wonderful is man ! 

How passing wonder, He who made him such ! 
Who centered in our make such strange extremes 
From different natures + marvelously mixed, 
Connection exquisite of distant worlds ! 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 267 

20 Distinguished link in being's endless chain ! 

Midway from nothing to the Deity ! 

A beam ethereal, sullied, and absorpt ! 

Though sullied and dishonored, still divine ! 

Dim '''miniature of greatness absolute ! 
25. An heir of glory ! a frail child of dust ! 

Helpless immortal ! insect infinite ! 

A worm ! a god ! — I tremble at myself, 

And in myself am lost. At home a stranger, 

Thought wanders up and down, surprised, + aghast, 
30. And wondering at her own. How reason reels ! 

what a miracle to man is man ! 

Triumphantly distressed ! what joy ! what dread ! 

Alternately transported and alarmed ; 

What can preserve my life ! or what destroy ! 
35. An angel's arm can 't snatch me from the grave ; 

+ Legions of angels can 't confine me there. 

'T is past conjecture ; all things rise in proof. 
While o'er my limbs Sleep's soft dominion spread, 
What though my soul fantastic measures trod 

40. O'er fairy fields, or mourned along the gloom 
Of pathless woods, or down the '''craggy steep 
Hurled headlong, swam with pain the mantled pool 
Or scaled the cliff, or danced on hollow winds 
With + antic shapes, wild natives of the brain ! 

45. Her ceaseless flight, though * devious, speaks her nature 
Of subtler essence than the trodden clod ; 
Active, + aerial, towering, unconfined, 
Unfettered with her + gross companion's fall. 
Even silent night + proclaims my soul immortal; 

50. Even silent night proclaims eternal day. 

For human weal Heaven husbands all events : 
Dull sleep instructs, nor sport vain dreams in vain. 

Young. 



Questions. — "What leads us to take "note of time?" "What re- 
flections follow, if this warning is " heard aright ! " Repeat some of 
the numerous epithets applied to man. "What does one class of theso 
epithets represent man to be ? In what light does the other class con- 
sider him ? In what respect is he a " worm ? " How can he be called a 
" god ? " What is the state of the mind during sleep ? "What does this 
prove ? Point out the instances of antithetic inflections and emphasis in 
this lesson. Why does "He," in the 16th line, commence with a capital 
letter ? 



268 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER 



LESSON LXXXVII. 

Remark. — Be careful to give a full sound to the vowels. Regard 
to this rule, will correct the common, flat, clipping way in which many 
read. 

Utter each sound correctly and distinctly. — Ir-reg-u-lar, not ir~ 
reg-gy-lur, nor ir-reg'lar: un-err-ing, not u?i-er'n: in-tel-lect-u-al, not 
in-tel-lect-ew-al : cal-cu-la-ting, not cal-ky-la-tin : beau-ti-ful, not beau- 
ti-f'l: struct-ure, not struct-cr ; reg-u-late, not reg-gij-late ; chem-ic-al, 
not chem-ic'l : vis-age, not vis-ij ; por-tal, not por-t'l. 



1. Phys'-ic-al, a. relating to nature. 
Math-e-inat'-ics, n. the science of 
quantity. 

2. Pas'-sion-less, a. without feeling. 
Ab-strac'-tions, n. truths separated 
from sensible objects. 
Syl-lo-gis'-tic, a. relating to a syllo- 
gism. 

3. Ra'-tio, n. the relation of two quanti- 
ties of the same kind to each other. 
Pro-por'-tion, n. equality of ratios. 

4. Ac-cel'-er-a-ted, p. increased. 

5. Di'-a-gram, n. a figure drawn for the 
purpose of demonstration or illustra- 
tion. 

Phe-nom'-e-na, n. pi. of phenomenon, 

appearances. 

Re-frac'-tion, n. the turning from a 

direct course. 

In'-ci-dence, n. falling on any thing. 



6. Par'-al-lax, n. the difference between 
the true and apparent place of a 
heavenly body. 

A-nom'-a-lies, n. irregularities. 
Pre-ces'-sion, n. motion of the equi- 
nox to the westward. 
A-nal'-y-sis, rt. separation of any 
thing into its parts. 
Or'-rer-y, n. an instrument to show 
the motions of the planets. 

7. Op'-tics, n. the science of light. 
Aus-ter'-i-ty, n. severity, roughness. 
Cru'-ci-ble, n. a chemical melting pot. 
E-quiv'-a-lents, n. equals in value. 

8. Min-er-al'-o-gy, n. the science of 
minerals. [mineral. 
Crys'-tal, n. regular solid of any 
Hex'-a-gons, n. six-sided figures. 
Do-dec'-a-gons,n.twelve-sided figures. 

9. Cy'-cloid, n. a certain kind of curve. 



VALUE OP MATHEMATICS. 

1. Man may construct his works by irregular and uncertain 
rules ; but God has made an unerring law for his whole creation, 
and made it, too, in respect to the physical system, upon princi- 
ples, which, as far as we now know, can never be understood, 
without the aid of mathematics. 

2. Let us suppose a youth who despises, as many do, these cold 
and passionless abstractions of the mathematics. Yet, he is + in- 
tellectual; he loves knowledge; he would + explore nature, and 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 26V 

know the reason of things ; but he would do it, without aid from 
this rigid, syllogistic, measuring, calculating science. He seeks 
indeed, no " royal road to + geometry," but, he seeks one not less 
difficult to find, in which geometry is not needed. 

3. He begins with the + mechanical powers. He takes the 
lever and readily understands that it will move a weight. But 
the principle upon which different weights at different distances 
are moved, he is forbidden to know ; for they depend upon ratios 
and proportions. He passes to the inclined plane ; but quits it in 
disgust, when he finds its action depends upon the relations of 
angles and + triangles. The screw is still worse, and when he 
comes to the wheel and axle, he gives them up forever ; they are 
all mathematical I 

4. He would investigate the laws of falling bodies, and moving 
fluids, and would know why their motion is accelerated at different 
periods, and upon what their momentum depends. But, roots and 
squares, lines, angles, and curves, float before him in the f mazy 
dance of a disturbed intellect. The very first proposition is a 
mystery: and he soon discovers, that mechanical philosophy is 
little better than mathematics itself. 

5. But he still has his senses ; he will, at least, not be indebted 
to diagrams and + equations for their enjoyment. He gazes with 
admiration upon the phenomena of light ; the many-colored rain- 
bow upon the bosom of the clouds ; the clouds themselves reflected 
with all their changing shades from the surface of the quiet 
waters. Whence comes this beautiful imagery ? He investigates 
and finds that every hue in the rainbow is made by a different 
angle of refraction, and that each ray reflected from the mirror, 
has its angle of incidence equal to its angle of reflection ; and, as 
he pursues the subject further, in the construction of lenses and 
+ telescopes, the whole family of triangles, ratios, proportions, and 
conclusions arise to alarm his excited vision. 

6. He turns to the heavens, and is charmed with its shining 
host, moving in solemn procession, " through the halls of the 
sky," each star, as it rises and sets, marking time on the records 
of nature. He would know the structure of this beautiful system, 
and search out, if possible, the laws which regulate those distant 
lights. But + astronomy forever banishes him from her presence ; 
she will have none near her to whom mathematics is not a 
familiar friend. What can lie know of her parallaxes, anom- 
alies, and precessions, who has never studied the conic sections, or 
the higher order of analysis ? She sends him to some wooden 
orrery, from which he may gather as much knowledge of the 
heavenly bodies, as a child does of armies from the gilded troopers 
of the toy shop. 



270 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

7. But if he can have no companionship with optica, nor as- 
tronomy, nor mechanical philosophy, there are sciences, he thinks, 
which have better taste and less austerity of manners. He flies to 
chemistry, and her garments float loosely around him. For a 
while, he goes gloriously on, + illuminated by the red lights and 
blue lights of crucibles and retorts. But, soon he comes to com- 
pound bodies, to the + composition of the elements around him, 
and finds them all in fixed relations. He finds that gases and 
fluids will + combine with each other, and with solids only in a 
certain ratio, and that all possible compounds are formed by 
nature in immutable proportion. Then starts up the whole doc- 
trine of chemical equivalents, and mathematics again stares him 
in the face. 

8. Affrighted, he flies to mineralogy; stones he may pick up, 
jewels he may draw from the bosom of the earth, and be no 
longer alarmed at the stern + visage of this terrible science. But, 
even here, he is not safe. The first stone that he finds, quartz, 
contains a crystal, and that crystal assumes the dreaded form of 
geometry. Crystallization allures him on j but, as he goes, cubes 
and hexagons, pj-ramids and dodecagons arise before him in beau- 
tiful array. He would understand more about them, but must 
wait at the "** portal of the temple, till + introduced within by that 
honored of time and science, our friendly Euclid. 

9. And now, where shall this student of nature, without the aid 
of mathematics, go for his knowledge, or his enjoyments? Is it 
to natural history ? The very birds + cleave the air in the form 
of the cycloid, and mathematics prove it the best. Their feathers 
are formed upon calculated mechanical principles ) the muscles of 
their frame are moved by them. The little bee has constructed his 
+ cell in the very geometrical figure, and with the precise angles, 
which mathematicians, after ages of investigation, have demonstra- 
ted to be that which contains the greatest economy of space and 
strength. Yes ! he, who would shun mathematics, must fly the 
bounds of " flaming space," and in the realms of chaos, that 



• dark, 



Illimitable ocean, 



where Milton's Satan wandered from the wrath of heaven, he may 
possibly find some spot visited by no figure of geometry, and no 
+ harmony of proportion. But nature, this beautiful creation of 
G-od, has no resting place for him. All its construction is mathe- 
matical; all its uses, reasonable; all its ends, harmonious. It 
has no elements mixed without regulated law ; no broken chord to 
make a false note in the music of the + spheres. 

E. D. Mansfield. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



271 



Questions. — "What is it the object of this lesson to illustrate ? If 
a student, unacquainted with mathematics, attempts to investigate the 
subject of mechanics, what will be the result ? What, if he trusts to his 
senses ? If he attempts to learn chemistry, what obstacles does he find 
here ? How is it with mineralogy ? With natural history ? 

Point out the inflections in. the 8th and 9th paragraphs. 



Remark. 
take breath. 



LESSON IXXXV.III. 

-Observe the commas, and stop at each long enough to 



Pronounce correctly. — Prog-ress, not pro-gress, (the noun is pro- 
nounced prog'-vess and the verb, pro-gress'): post-u-lates, not pas-ty- 
lates; en-gin-eer-ing, not in-gi-neer-ing: ves-ti-bule, not ves-tib-u-le : 
vol-ume (pro. vol-yum), not vol-lum: fract-ur'd (pro. Jract-yur'd), not 
frac-ter'd. 



1. Hu'-man-i-zes, v. renders kind and 
humane. 

De-vel'-op-ment, «. an unfolding. 

2. Im-preg'-na-ble, a, that can not be 
defeated. [taken as self evident. 
Pos'-tu-late, n, a position which is 
Syl'-lo-gism, n, an argument of three 
propositions, the first two of which are 
premises, the third, the inference. 



3. Civ'-il En-gin-eer'-ing, n. the science 
of the construction of extensive 
works, such as canals, aqueducts, &c. 
Hy-draui'-ics, n. the science which 
treats of fluids in motion. 
Ves'-ti-bule, n. the porch or entrance. 

4. El-lip'-sis, n. a kind of oval figure. 
Ec-cen'-tric, a. irregular. 

5. Do-main', n. dominion, empire. 



VALUE OF MATHEMATICS. — (continued.) 



1. Let us take another student, with whom + mathematics is 
neither despised nor neglected. He sees in it the means of past 
success, to others ; he reads in its history the progress of universal 
improvement ; and he believes, that what has contributed so much 
to the civilization of the world; what is even now contributing so 
much to all that humanizes society; and what the + experience of 
all mankind has sanctioned, may, perchance, be useful to his own 
intellectual development. 



272 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

2. He opens a volume of geometry, and steadily pursues its 
abstractions from the definition of a right line, through the elegant 
properties of the right-angled triangle, the relations of similar 
figures and the laws of curved surfaces. He finds a chain of 
unbroken and impregnable reasoning, and is at once possessed of 
all the knowledge of postulates, syllogisms, and conclusions, which 
the most accomplished school of + rhetoric could have taught him. 

3. He looks upon society, and wherever he turns, arts, sciences, 
and their results, from carpentry to civil engineering, from + archi- 
tecture to hydraulics, from the ingenious lock upon a canal, to the 
useful mill upon its sides, disclose their operations, no longer mys- 
terious to his enlightened understanding. Many an interesting 
repository of knowledge this key has opened to his vision, and as 
he thus walks through the vestibule of science, he longs to penetrate 
those deep aisles, and ascend that + magnificent stairway, which 
lead up to the structure of the universe. 

4. With the properties of the ellipsis, the laws of motion de- 
monstrated by mathematics, and two facts drawn from observation, 
the one that bodies fall toward the earth, and the other, the regu- 
lar motion of the planets, he + demonstrates, beyond the power of 
refutation, the laws of the celestial system. He traces star after 
star, however eccentric their course, through the unseen immensity 
of space, and calculates with unfailing certainty, the hour of its 
return, after ages have passed away. 

5. He does more, he weighs matter in the balances of creation, 
and finds that, to complete the harmony of the system, a planet is 
wanting in some distant corner of its wide domain ; — no mortal 
eye has ever seen it, no + tradition tells of its existence. Yet with 
the confidence and zeal of prophecy, he announces that it must 
exist, for demonstration has proved it. The + prediction is recorded 
in the volume of science. 

6. Long after, astronomy, by the aid of mathematics, discovers 
the long-lost tenant of the skies; and fractured though it be, 
while its members perform their + revolution, no living soul can 
be permitted to doubt the worth of mathematics, or the powers of 
his own immortal mind. 

7. And what were the glorious contemplations of that pupil of 
mathematical philosophy, as he passed behind the clouds of earth 
to investigate the machinery of + celestial spheres ! Alone, yet 
not solitary, amid the glowing lights of heaven, he sends his spirit 
forth through the works of God. He has risen by the force of 
cultivated intellect to hights which mortal fancy had never 
reached. 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 273 

8. He has taken line, and figure, and measure, and from propo- 
sition to proposition, and from conclusion to conclusion, riveting 
link after link, lie has bound the universe to the throne of its 
Creator, by that 

" golden, everlasting chain, 

Whose strong embrace holds heaven, and earth, and main." 

9. And is there no moral instruction in this ? Does he learn no 
lesson of wisdom Z Do no strong + emotions of love and gratitude 
arise toward that being who thus delights him with the charms of 
intellectual enjoyment, and blesses him with the multiplied means 
of happiness ? Harder than the + adamant of his own reasoning, 
colder than the abstractions in which he is falsely supposed to 
move, must be he, who, thus conducted by the handmaid of the 
arts and sciences, through whatever humanizes man ; through what- 
ever is + sublime in his progress to a higher state ; through all the 
vast + machinery, which the Almighty has made tributary to his 
comfort, and his happiness, yet feels no livelier sentiment of duty 
toward him ; no kinder or more peaceful spirit toward his fellow 
man. 

E. D. Mansfield. 



Questions. — In what light does the student, referred to in this les- 
son, regard mathematics ? What does he find in geometry ? In what 
particulars, does he observe the influence of mathematical science upon 
society ? Through what source, are the laws of the heavenly bodies 
discovered ? What is said of a planet predicted to exist, before any 
discovery authorized such opinion? What is said of the moral instruction 
to be derived from all this ? 

Let the pupil point out each subject of a verb in the 5th paragraph. 
Let him point out also, each object of a verb or of a preposition. Which 
are the prepositions ? Which are the adjectives ? How many simple 
sentences ? 



TO TEACHERS. 



In the grammatical questions it is not intended to prescribe any par- 
ticular form of examination, but rather to draw attention to the subject. 
Each teacher will determine for himself how many and what questions to 
ask. But, it is believed that he will derive great advantage from connect- 
ing this study with the reading lesson. 



274 



MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON LXXXIX, 

Remark . — Read the last part of each sentence with a full and distinct 
utterance, giving to each "word its proper emphasis. 

Articulate distinctly. — E-pis-to-la-ry, not e-pis-t'lary : per-son-al, 
not per-s'nal : mis-er-y, not misery : drudg-er-y, not drudg 'ry : fe-lic-it- 
ous-ly, not f'lic'tous-ly : Her-cu-les, not Her-c'les: un-fort-u-nates, not 
un-fort' nates : dis-con-so-late, not dis-con-s'late : sim-i-lar, not sim'lar : 
du-ti-ful, not dute-ful : cal-cu-la-tion, not cal-c'la-tion : suf-fer-ings, not 
svf-f 'rin's: ex-pe-ri-ence, not' ex-pe-r'ence: par-tic-u-lar, not par-tic'lar: 
un-du-late, not im-d'late. 



1. Prc'-lude, n. something introductory. 
Carp'-ing, a. finding fault. [tions. 

2. Prot-est-a'-tions, n. solemn declara- 
Gra-da'-tions, n. orders, degrees- 

3. Pro'-sing, or. tedious, like prose. 
Let'-ter-mon-ger, n. a dealer in letters. 

6. Pique, a. (pro. peek) to pride or value 
one's self. 

Scrib-ler-i'-na, n. an affected or ro- 
mantic writer. 

Drag'-on-ism, n. tyranny, violence. 
Mar'-gin, n. the border or edge. 



At'-tar, n. (the same as ot-ter) the 
oil or essence of roses. 
Cha-rade' (pro. sha-rade'), n. a pe- 
culiar kind of enigma or riddle. 

7. Fe-lic'-i-tous-ly, adv. happily. 
Ex-or'-di-um, n. the beginning. 

9. In-dite', v. to write, to compose. 
Pen'-ance, n. suffering imposed as 
punishment. 
10. E-lic'-it, v. to draw forth. 

Un'-du-late, v, to present a wavy 
appearance (used figuratively.) 



ON LETTER WRITING. 

1. + Epistolary as well as personal intercourse is, according to 
the mode in which it is carried on, one of the pleasantest or most 
irksome things in the world. It is delightful to drop in on a friend 
without the solemn prelude of invitation and acceptance, to join a 
+ social circle, where we may suffer our minds and hearts to relax 
and expand in the happy consciousness of perfect security from 
invidious remark and carping criticism ; where we may give the 
reins to the + sportiveness of innocent fancy, or the enthusiasm of 
warm-hearted feeling ; where we may talk sense or nonsense, (I 
pity people who can not talk nonsense), without fear of being 
looked into icicles by the coldness of unimaginative people, living 
pieces of clock work, who dare not themselves utter a word, or lift 
up a little finger, without first weighing the important point in the 
hair balance of propriety and good breeding. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 275 

2. It is equally delightful to let the pen talk freely, and unpre- 
meditatedly, and to one by whom we are sure of being understood; 
but a formal letter, like a + ceremonious morning visit, is tedious 
alike to the writer and receiver ; for the most part spun out with 
unmeaning phrases, + trite observations, complimentary flourishes, 
and protestations of respect and attachment, so far not deceitful, as 
they never deceive anybody. Oh, the misery of having to com- 
pose a set, proper, well-worded, correctly-pointed, polite, elegant 
epistle ! one that must have a beginning, a middle, and an end, as 
methodically arranged and portioned out as the several parts of a 
sermon under three heads, or the three gradations of shade in a 
school-giiTs first landscape! 

3. For my part, I would rather be set to beat hemp, or weed in 
a turnip field, than to write such a letter exactly every month, or 
every fortnight, at the precise point of time from the date of our 
correspondent's last letter, that he or she wrote after the reception 
of ours; as if one's thoughts bubbled up to the + well-head, at 
regular periods, a pint at a time, to be bottled oif for immediate 
use. Thought ! what has thought to do in such a correspondence? 
It murders thought, quenches fancy, wastes time, spoils paper, 
wears out innocent goose quills. " I 'd rather be a kitten, and cry 
mew ! than one of those same " prosing letter-mongers. 

4. Surely in this age of invention something may be struck out 
to + obviate the necessity (if such necessity exists) of so tasking, 
degrading the human intellect. Why should not a sort of mute 
barrel-organ be + constructed on the plan of those that play sets 
of tunes and contra dances, to indite a catalogue of polite epistles 
calculated for all the ceremonious observances of good breeding? 
Oh the unspeakable relief (could such a machine be invented) of 
having only to grind an answer to one of one's " dear, five hundred 
friends ! " 

5. Or suppose there were to be an epistolary steam engine. Ay, 
that's the thing. Steam does every thing now-a-days. Dear Mr. 
Brunei, set about it, I beseech you, and achieve the most glorious 
of your undertakings. The block machine at Portsmouth would 
be nothing to it. That spares manual labor; this would relieve 
mental + drudgery, and thousands yet unborn - - - but hold ! I 
am not so sure the female sex in general may quite enter into 
my views of the subject. 

6. Those who pique themselves on the elegant style of their 
billets, or those fair scriblerinas just + emancipated from boarding- 
school restraints, or the dragonism of their governess, just begin- 
ning to taste the refined enjoyments of sentimental, confidential, 
soul-breathing correspondence with some Angelina, Seraphina, or 
Laura Matilda; to indite beautiful little notes, with long-tailed 



276 MOGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

letters, upon vellum paper, with pink margins, sealed with sweet 
*** mottoes, and dainty devices, the whole deliciously perfumed with 
musk and attar of roses; young ladies who collect "copies of 
verses/' and charades, keep + albums, copy patterns, make bread 
seals, work little dogs upon footstools, and paint flowers without 
shadow — Oh ! no ! the epistolary steam engine will never come 
in4o + vogue with those dear creatures. They must enjoy the 
" feast of reason, and the flow of soul," and they must write — 
yes ! and how they do write ! 

7. But for another genus of female scribes, unhappy innocents ! 
who groan in spirit at the dire necessity of having to hammer out 
one of those aforesaid terrible epistles ; who, having in due form 
dated the gilt edged-sheet that lies outspread before them in appall- 
ing whiteness, having also felicitously + achieved the graceful 
exordium, " My dear Mrs. P," or " My dear Lady V," or " My 

dear any thing else," feel that they are in for it, and must 

say something ! Oh, that something that must come of nothing ! 
those bricks that must be made without straw ! those pages that 
must be filled with words ! Yea, with words that must be sewed 
into sentences ! Yea, with sentences that must seem to mean 
something : the whole to be tacked together, all neatly fitted and 
dovetailed so as to form one smooth, polished surface ! 

8. What were the labors of Hercules to such a task ! The very 
thought of it puts me into a mental perspiration; and, from my 
inmost soul, I compassionate the unfortunates now (at this very 
moment, perhaps,) screwed up perpendicularly in the seat of tor- 
ture, having in the right hand a fresh-nibbed patent pen, dipped 
ever and anon into the ink bottle, as if to hook up ideas, and 
under the outspread palm of the left hand a fair sheet of best Bath 
post, (ready to receive thoughts yet unhatched), on which their eyes 
are riveted with a stare of + disconsolate + perplexity infinitely 
touching to a feeling mind. 

9. To such unhappy persons, in whose miseries I deeply sympa- 
thize Have I not groaned under similar horrors, from the hour 

when I was first shut up (under lock and key, I believe), to indite 
a dutiful epistle to an honored aunt ? I remember, as if it were 
yesterday, the moment when she who had enjoined the task entered 
to inspect the performance, which, by her calculation, should have 
been fully completed. I remember how sheepishly I hung down 
my head,, vvhen she snatched from before me the paper, (on which 
I had made no farther progress than " My dear ant,") angrily 
exclaiming, " What, child ! have you been shut up here three 
hours to call your aunt a pismire ? " From that hour of humilia- 
tion I have too often groaned under the + endurance of similar 
penance, and I have learned from my own sufferings to compassionate 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 277 

those of my dear sisters in affliction. To such unhappy per- 
sons, then, I would fain offer a few hints, (the fruit of long expe- 
rience), which, if they have not already been suggested by their 
own observation, may prove serviceable in the hour of "^emergency. 

10. Let them or suppose I address myself to one particular 

sufferer — there is something more + confidential in that manner of 
communicating one's ideas. As Moore says, " Heart speaks to 
heart." I say, then, take always special care to write by candle- 
light, for not only is the apparently unimportant operation of snuff- 
ing the candle in itself a momentary relief to the depressing con 
sciousness of mental * vacuum, but not unfrequently that trifling 
act, or the brightening flame of the taper, elicits, as it were, from 
the dull embers of fancy, a sympathetic spark of fortunate concep- 
tion. When such a one occurs, seize it quickly and + dextrously, 
but, at the same time, with such cautious prudence, as not to hud- 
dle up and contract in one short, paltry sentence, that which, if 
ingeniously handled, may be wiredrawn, so as to undulate grace- 
fully and smoothly over a whole page. 

11. For the more ready practice of this invaluable art of + dila- 
ting, it will be expedient to stock your memory with a large assort- 
ment of those precious words of many syllables, that fill whole 
lines at once; " incomprehensibly, amazingly, decidedly, solicit- 
ously, inconceivably, incontrovertibly." An opportunity of using 
these, is, to a distressed spinster, as delightful as a copy all m's 
and n's to a child. " Command you may, your mind from play." 
They run on with such delicious smoothness ! 

Blackwood's Magazine. 



Questions. — How must epistolary intercourse or letter writing be 
conducted, in order to be agreeable and useful ? "What manner of con- 
ducting it is ridiculed in this lesson ? What is meant by talking nonsense? 

To what inflections, in this lesson, is Rule II, §3, applicable ? 

Parse "them" in the 10th paragraph. What word may be understood 
after it ? Parse " dilating " in the 11th paragraph. Parse " incompre- 
hensibly," " amazingly," &c, in the same paragraph. Parse " m's " and 
"n's." Parse "all." Parse "■ run on" in the last sentence. What is the 
subject and what the attribute? See Pinneo's Analytical Grammar, 
page 114. 



278 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XC. 

Remark. — Be careful to give all the consonants their full sound in 
each word. 

Pronounce correctly. — I-rons, pro. i-urns: un-clean-ly, pro. 
un-clen-ly ; Christ-en-dom, pro. kris'n-dum : pris-on, pro. priz'n (see 
McGuffey's Spelling Book, page 49): min-utes, pro. min-its: pret-ty, 
pro. prit-ty. 



Ar'-ras, n. a kind of curtains hung 
around the walls of a room. 

Un-clean'-ly, a. (pro. un-Irfcn'-ly) inde- 
cent. 

Wan'-ton-ness, «. playfulness, sportive- 
ness. 

Christ'-en-dom, n. territory of Chris- 
tians : used for christening or baptism, 
as if he said, By my baptism. 

Prate, n. familiar talk. 

Sooth, n. truth. [tears. 

Rheum, n. ( pro. rume) here used for 

Dis-pit'e-ous, a. cruel, without pity. 



Foul, a. wicked, abominable. 

A-non', adv. soon ; still and anon means, 
now and then, frequently. 

Wince, v. to shrink back as from pain. 

Chid, v. blamed, reproached, [or troubles. 

An-noy'-ance, n. any thing which injures 

Troth, n. truth, veracity. 

Ex-tremes', n. the greatest degree of dis- 
tress : undeserved extremes means, acts 
of cruelty which he had not deserved. 

Tarre, v. (pro. tar) to tease, to set on. 

Dog'-ged, a. surly, stubborn. 

Close'-ly, adv. secretly, privately. 



PRINCE ARTHUR. 

Hubert. Heat me these irons hot ; and, look thou stand 
Within the arras ; when I strike my foot 
Upon the bosom of the ground, rush forth, 
And bind the boy, which you shall find with me, 
Fast to the chair : be heedful : hence, and watch. 

First Attendant. I hope your + warrant will bear out the deed. 

Hub. Uncleanly + scruples ! Fear not you : look to it. 

(Exeunt Attendants.') 
Young lad, come forth ; I have to say with you. (Enter 

Arthur. Grood-morrow, Hubert. [Arthur.') 

Hub. Good-morrow, little prince. 

Arth. As little prince ( having so great a title 

To be more prince) as may be. You are sad. 
Hub. Indeed, I have been merrier. 
Arth. Mercy on me ! 

Methinks no person should be sad but I : 

Yet I remember, when I was in France, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 279 

Young gentlemen would be as sad as night, 

Only for wantonness. By my Christendom, 

So I were out of prison, and kept sheep, 

I should be merry as the day is long ; 

And so would I be here, but that I doubt 

My uncle + practices more harm to me : 

He is afraid of me, and I of him : 

Is it my fault that I were Geoffrey's son ? 

No, indeed, is 't not ; and I would to heaven 

I were your son, so you would love me, Hubert. 

Hub. If I talk to him, with his innocent prate 

He will awake my mercy, which lies dead : 

Therefore I will be sudden, and dispatch. (Aside.*) 

Arth, Are you sick, Hubert ? You look pale today. 
In sooth, I would you were a little sick, 
That I might sit all night, and watch with you. 
I warrant I love you more than you do me. 

Hub. His words do take possession of my bosom. 

Read here, young Arthur. (Showing a paper.*) How now, 

foolish rheum ? (Aside.) 
Turning dispiteous torture out the door ! 
I must be brief; lest resolution drop 
Out at mine eyes, in tender womanish tears. 
Can you not read it ? Is it not fair writ ? 

Arth. Too fairly, Hubert, for so foul effect : 

Must you with hot irons burn out both mine eyes ? 

Hub. Young boy, I must. 

Arth. And will you ? 

Hub. And I will. 

Arth Have you the heart ? When your head did but ache, 
I knit my handkerchief about your brows, 
(The best I had, a princess wrought it me), 
And I did never ask it you again : 
And with my hand at midnight held your head, 
And like the watchful minutes to the hour, 
Still and anon cheered up the heavy time ; 
Saying, What lack you ? and, Where lies your grief ? 
Or, What good love may I perform for you ? 
Many a poor man's son would have lain still, 
And ne'er have spoke a loving word to you; 
But you at your sick service had a prince. 
Nay, you may think my love was +crafty love, 
And call it cunning : do, and if you will : 
If heaven be pleased that you should use me' ill, 



280 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH 



Why, then you must. Will you put out mine eyes ? 
These eyes, that never did, nor never shall, 
So much as frown on you ? 
Hub. I have sworn to do it ; 

And with hot irons must I burn them out. 

Arth. Ah, none but in this iron age would do it : 
The iron of itself, though heat red-hot, 
Approaching near these eyes, would drink my tears, 
And + quench its + fiery indignation, 
Even in the matter of mine innocence : 
Nay, after that, consume away in rust, 
But for containing fire to harm mine eye. 
Are you more stubborn-hard than hammered iron ? 
And if an angel should have come to me, 
And told me Hubert should put out mine eyes, 
I would not have believed no tongue but Hubert's. 

Hub. Come forth. (Stamps.) {Reenter Attendants, with eorrf, 
Do as I bid you. \_irons, dbc.) 

Arth. Oh, save me, Hubert, save me ! My eyes are out 
Even with the fierce looks of these bloody men. 

Hub. Give me the iron, I say, and bind him here. 

Arth. Alas ! what need you be so boisterous-rough ? 
I will not struggle, I will stand stone-still. 
For heaven's sake, Hubert ! let me not be bound I 
Nay, hear me, Hubert ! drive these men away, 
And I will sit as quiet as a lamb : 
I will not stir, nor wince, nor speak a word. 
Nor look upon the irons angrily ; 
Thrust but these men away, and I '11 forgive you, 
Whatever torment you do put me to. 

Hub. Go stand within ; let me alone with him. 

1st At. I am best pleased to be from such a deed. (Ex. Atten.') 

Arth. Alas ! I then have chid away my friend : 

He hath a stern look, but a gentle heart : 

Let him come back, that his compassion may 

Give life to yours. 
Hub. Come, boy, prepare yourself. 
Arth. Is there no remedy ? 
Hub. None, but to lose your eyes. 
Arth. Oh heaven ! that there were but a mote in yours, 

A grain, a dust, a gnat, a wandering hair, 

Any annoyance in that precious sense ! 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 281 

Then, feeling what small things are + boisterous there, 
Your vile f intent must needs seem horrible. 

Hub. Is this jour promise ? G-o to, hold your tongue. 

Arih. Hubert, the utterance of a brace of tongues 
Must needs want pleading for a pair of eyes : 
Let me not hold my tongue ! let me not, Hubert ! 
Or, Hubert, if you will, cut out my tongue, 
So I may keep mine eyes. Oh, spare mine eyes, 
Though to no use, but still to look on you ! 
Lo, by my troth, the instrument is cold, 
And would not harm me. 

Hub. I can heat it, boy. 

Arth. No, in good sooth, the fire is dead with grief — ■ 
Being create for comfort — to be used 
In undeserved extremes. See else yourself. 
There is no malice in this burning coal ; 
The breath of heaven hath blown its spirit out, 
And + strewed repentant ashes on its head. 

Hub. But with my breath I can revive it, boy. 

£rth. And if you do, you will but make it blush 

And glow with shame of your proceedings, Hubert j 
Nay, it + perchance will sparkle in your eyes, 
And, like a dog, that is + compelled to fight, 
Snatch at his master that does tarre him on. 
All things, that you should use to do me wrong, 
Deny their office ; only you do lack 
That mercy, which fierce fire and iron extend, 
Creatures of note, for mercy-lacking uses. 

Hub. Well, see to live ; I will not touch thine eyes 
For all the treasure that thy uncle owns ; 
Yet I am sworn, and I did purpose, boy, 
With this same very iron to burn them out. 

Arth. Oh, now you look like Hubert ! all this while 

You were + disguised. 
Hub. Peace : no more : Adieu ! 

Your uncle must not know but you are dead : 

I '11 fill these dogged + spies with false + reports. 

And, pretty child, sleep doubtless, and secure 

That Hubert, for the wealth of all the world, 

Will not offend thee. 
Arth. Oh heaven ! I thank you, Hubert. 
Bub. Silence : no more. Go closely in with me: 

Much danger do I undergo for thee. 

Shakspeabb. 
24 



282 



MO GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Questions. — Who was Prince Arthur? Where did he live ? Who 
desired to destroy him ? For what purpose ? What does Hubert mean 
by saying, " How now, foolish rheum ? " Enumerate the motives by 
which the Prince induces Hubert to spare him. 



ARTICULATION. 

Thrill'd, thrifty, threaded, streets, prospers. 

The tale thrill'd his heart. The thrifty man prospers. They threaded 
the narrow streets with scarcely a ray of light. Youths* thoughtlessness 
heeds not the truths which the experience of age teaches. 



lesson xci. 

Utter each sound correctly and distinctly. — Ap-pall-ing,notaj>pa£- 
ing ; con-victs, not coiirvics ; weap-'ns, not wee-pons ; in-fa-mous, not 
in-fer-mous : sub-or-di-nate, not sub-or-dun-it : a-gainst, pro. a-genst : 
at-tempt, not at-temp: in-stant-ly, not in-stunt-ly ; ter-min-a-tion, not 
term* na-tion. 



2 Con'-victs, n. persons found guilty of 
crime. [guards. 

War'-den, ». a keeper, one who 

4. Brig'-ands, n. robbers, those who live 
by plunder. [colors. 

5. Mot'-ley, o. composed of various 
De-mo'-ni-ac, a. devil-like. 

6. Sub-or'-di-nate, a. inferior. 
Per'-il, n. danger. 

7. Ma-rines', n. (pro. ma-reens') soldiers 
that serve on board of ships. 
De-mean'-or,n. behavior, deportment 



8. Rat-an ; , n- a small cane which grows 
in India. 

ParMey, n. conversation or confer- 
ence with an enemy. [for evil. 

11. Im-pre-ca'-tions, n. curses, prayers 

12. In-dom'-i-ta-ble, a. that can not be 
subdued or tamed. 

16. Quell, v. to subdue, to crush. 

17. Blench'-ed, v. gave way, shrunk. 

19. Car'-nage, n. slaughter. 
Re-prieve', n. a delay of punishment 

20. Ex'-it, n. passage out of a place. 



REBELLION IN MASSACHUSETTS STATE PRISON. 

1. A more impressive exhibition of moral courage, opposed to 
the wildest + ferocity, under the most + appalling circumstances, 
was never seen, than that which was witnessed, by the officers of 
our State Prison, in the rebellion which occurred about five years 
since. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 283 

2. Three convicts had been sentenced under the rules of the 
prison to be whipped in the yard, and by some effort of one of the 
other prisoners, a door had been opened at midday, communicating 
with the great dining hall, and through the warden's lodge with 
the street. 

3. The dining hall is long, dark, and damp, from its situation 
near the surface of the ground ) and in this all the prisoners "*" as- 
sembled, with clubs, and such tools as they could seize in passing 
through the workshops. 

4. Knives, hammers, and chisels, with every variety of such 
weapons, were in the hands of the ferocious spirits, who are drawn 
away from their + encroachments on society, forming a congrega- 
tion of strength, vileness, and talent, that can hardly be equaled 
on earth, even among the famed brigands of Italy. 

5. Men of all ages and characters, guilty of every variety of 
+ infamous crime, dressed in the motley and peculiar garb of the 
institution, and displaying the wild and demoniac appearance that 
always pertains to imprisoned wretches, were gathered together for 
the single purpose of preventing the punishment which was to be 
inflicted on the morrow, upon their comrades. 

6. The warden, the surgeon, and some other officers of the 
prison, were there at the time, and were alarmed at the conse- 
quences likely to ensue from the + conflict necessary to restore 
order. They huddled together, and could scarcely be said to con- 
sult, as the stoutest among them lost all presence of mind in over- 
whelming fear. The news rapidly spread through the town, and a 
subordinate officer, of most mild and kind disposition, hurried to 
the scene, and came calm and collected into the midst of the 
officers. The most equable-tempered and the mildest man in the 
government, was in this hour of peril the firmest. 

7. He instantly dispatched a request to Major Wainright, com- 
mander of the marines + stationed at the navy yard, for assistance, 
and declared his purpose to enter into the hall and try the force of 
firm demeanor and persuasion upon the enraged multitude. 

8. All his brethren exclaimed against an attempt so full of haz- 
ard : but in vain. They offered him arms, a sword and pistols, 
but he refused them, and said, that he had no fear, and in case of 
danger, arms would do him no service : and alone, with only a 
little ratan, which was his usual walking stick, he advanced into 
the hall, to hold parley with the selected, congregated, and enraged 
villains of the whole "•"commonwealth. 

9. He demanded their purpose, in thus coming together with 
arms, in + violation of the prison laws. They replied, that they 



284 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

were determined to obtain the remission of the punishment of 
their three comrades. He said, it was impossible; the rules of 
the prison must be obeyed, and they must submit. 

10. At the hint of submission, they drew a little nearer to- 
gether, prepared their weapons for service, and, as they were dimly 
seen in the further end of the hall, by those who observed, from 
the gratings that opened up to the day, a more appalling sight can 
not be conceived, nor one of more moral + grandeur, than that of 
the single man, standing within their grasp, and exposed to be 
torn limb from limb instantly, if a word or look should add to the 
already + intense excitement. 

11. That excitement, too, was of a most dangerous kind. It 
broke not forth in noise and imprecations, but was seen only in the 
dark looks and the strained nerves, that showed a deep determi- 
nation. The officer + expostulated. He reminded them of the 
hopelessness of escape; that the town was alarmed, and that the 
government of the prison would submit to nothing but uncondi- 
tional surrender. He said, that all those who would go quietly 
away, should be forgiven for this offense ; but, that if every pris- 
oner was killed in the contest, power enough would be obtained to 
enforce the regulations of the prison. 

12. They replied, that they expected that some would be killed, 
that death would be better than such imprisonment, and with that 
look and tone, which bespeaks an indomitable purpose, they 
declared, that not a man should leave the hall alive, till the flog- 
ging was remitted. At this period of the discussion, their evil 
passions seemed to be more inflamed, and one or two offered to 
destroy the officer, who still stood firmer, and with a more temper- 
ate pulse, than did his friends, who saw from above, but could not 
+ avert the danger that threatened him. 

13. Just at this moment, and in about fifteen minutes from the 
commencement of the tumult, the officer saw the feet of the 
marines, whose presence alone he relied on for + succor, filing by 
the small upper lights. Without any apparent anxiety, he had 
repeatedly turned his attention to their approach, and now he knew 
that it was his only time to escape, before a conflict for life 
became, as was expected, one of the most dark and dreadful in 
the world. 

14. He stepped slowly backward, still urging them to depart, 
before the officers were driven to use the last resort of firearms. 
When within three or four feet of the door, it was opened, and 
closed instantly again, as he sprang through, and was thus unex- 
pectedly restored to his friends. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 285 

15. Major Wainright was requested to order his men to fire 
down upon the convicts through the little windows, first with pow- 
der and then with ball, till they were willing to retreat ; but he 
took a wiser as well as a bolder course, relying upon the effect 
which firm determination would have upon men so + critically 
situated. He ordered the door to be again opened, and marched 
in at the head of twenty or thirty men, who filed through the 
passage, and formed at the end of the hall, opposite to the crowd 
of criminals huddled together at the other. 

16. He stated that he was empowered to quell the rebellion, 
that he wished to avoid shedding blood, but that he should not 
quit that hall alive, till every convict had returned to his duty. 
They seemed f balancing the strength of the two parties; and 
replied, that some of them were ready to die, and only waited for 
an attack to see which was the most powerful, swearing that they 
would fight to the last, unless the punishment was remitted, for 
they would not submit to any such punishment in the prison. 
Major Wainright ordered his marines to load their pieces, and, that 
they might not be suspected of trifling, each man was made to hold 
up to view the bullet which he afterward put in his gun. 

17. This only caused a growl of determination, and no one 
blenched, or seemed disposed to shrink from the foremost "''expo- 
sure. They knew that their number would enable them to bear 
down and destroy the handful of marines, after the first discharge, 
and before their pieces could be reloaded. Again, they were 
ordered to retire ; but they answered with more ferocity than ever. 
The marines were ordered to take their aim so as to be sure and 
kill as many as possible. Their guns were presented, but not a 
prisoner stirred, except to grasp more firmly his weapon. 

18. Still desirous to avoid such a tremendous slaughter, as must 
have followed the discharge of a single gun, Major Wainright 
advanced a step or two, and spoke even more firmly than before, 
urging them to depart. Again, and while looking directly into the 
muzzles of the guns, which they had seen loaded with ball, they 
declared their intention "to fight it out." This + intrepid officer 
then took out his watch, and told his men to hold their pieces 
aimed at the convicts, but not to fire till they had orders ; then, 
turning to the prisoners, he said, "You must leave this hall ; I give 
you three minutes to decide ; if at the end of that time, a man 
remains, he shall be shot dead." 

19. No situation of greater interest than this, can be conceived. 
At one end of the hall, a fearful multitude of the most desperate 
and powerful men in existence, waiting for the * assault; at the 
other, a little band of disciplined men, waiting with arms presented, 
and ready, upon the least motion or sign, to begin the carnage ; 



286 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

and their tall and imposing commander, holding up his watch to 
count the lapse of three minutes, given as the reprieve to the lives 
of hundreds. No poet or painter can conceive of a spectacle of 
more dark and terrible sublimity ; no human heart can conceive a 
situation of more appalling suspense. 

20. For two minutes, not a person nor a muscle was moved, not 
a sound was heard in the unwonted stillness of the prison, except 
the labored breathings of the + infuriated wretches, as they began 
to pant, between fear and revenge : at the expiration of two 
minutes, during which they had faced the ministers of death with 
unblenching eyes, two or three of those in the rear, and nearest 
the further entrance, went slowly out : a few more followed the 
example, dropping out quietly and deliberately ; and before half 
of the last minute was gone, every man was struck by the panic, 
and crowded for an exit, and the hall was cleared as if by magic. 

21. Thus the steady firmness of moral force, and the strong 
effect of determination, acting deliberately, awed the most savage 
men, and suppressed a scene of carnage which would have instantly 
followed the least '•"precipitancy or exertion of physical force. 

Buckingham. 



Questions. — "What is the use of the state prison? Where is the 
penitentiary of this etate ? What accounts for the conduct of the subordi- 
nate officer, who, though ordinarily the mildest, was on this occasion the 
firmest ? Suppose Major W. had fired through the windows, as he was 
advised, what would have been, in all probability, the result ? Narrate 
the substance of the 19th and 20th paragraphs. What gained this blood- 
less victory ? 

Explain the inflections, and point out the emphatic words in the last 
two paragraphs. 



ARTICULATION. 



When similar sounds come at the end of one word, and at the 
beginning of the next, they must not be blended. 

He sinks sorrowing to the tomb. Man loves society. Time flies 
swiftly. The birds sing. Maw never dies. The heart turns away. 
The lip j9ants. The dim mournful ligh^ fries vainly to en^er. The 
quick crea& comes grating. Give vantage-ground. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



287 



LESSON XCII. 

Remark. — In reading poetry that rhymes, a slight pause should be 
made at the end of each line, in order that the harmony of the similar 
sounds may be perceived. 

Pronounce correctly and Articulate distinctly. — Heav-en-ly, 
pro. heav'n-ly : be-wil-der'd, not be-wild-ud : sounds, not souns : sweet- 
est, not sweet-es : burst-ing, not bus't-in ; dif-fer-ing, not dif-f'rin ; 
health-i-est, not health-i-es : sa-tyrs, not sat-uz : fes-tal-sound-ing, not 
fes-t'ls-ound-i n. 



1. Shell, n. an instrument of music. 
Cell, n. a cottage or place of residence. 
Force'-ful, a. acting with power. 

2. Re-coil'-ed, v. started back. 

6. Mien, n. appearance, look. 

7. Veer'-ing, a, turning, changing. 

8. Se-ques'-ter-ed, a, private, secluded. 
Run'-nels, n. small brooks, rivulets, 

9. Bus'-kin, n. a kind of half boot. 



Gem'-med, p. adorned, bespangled. 
Sa'-tyrs, n. a kind of God, imagined 
by the ancients to have power over 
the woods. 

Syl'-van, a. living in the woods. 
10. Ec-stat'-ic, a. delightful beyond 
measure. [waist. 

Zone, n. a girdle, a band round the 
Tres'-ses, n. ringlets, curls of hair. 



THE PASSIONS. 

1. "When Music, heavenly rnaid ! was young, 
"Wbile yet, in early Greece, she sung, 
The + Passions, oft, to hear her shell, 
+ Thronged around her magic cell ; 
+ Exulting, trembling, raging, fainting, 
Possessed beyond the muse's painting : 
By turns, they felt the glowing mind 
Disturbed, delighted, raised, + refined; 
Till once, His said, when all were fired, 
Killed with fury, rapt, inspired, 
From the supporting myrtles round, 
They snatched her instruments of sound j 
And, as they oft had heard apart, 
Sweet lessons of her forceful art, 
Each, (for madness ruled the hour), 
Would prove his own expressive power. 



288 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

2. First Fear, his hand, its skill to try, 

Amid the chords + bewildered laid ; 
And back recoiled, he knew not why, 
E'en at the sound himself had made. 

3. Next Anger rushed, his eyes on fire 

In lightnings owned his secret stiLgs ; 
In one rude clash he struck the lyre, 

And swept, with hurried hand, the strings. 

4. With woeful measures, wan Despair 

Low sullen sounds his grief + beguiled ; 
A solemn, strange, and mingled air; 

; Twas sad, by fits; by starts, ; twas wild. 

5. But thou, O Hope ! with eyes so fair, 

What was thy delighted measure ! 

Still it whispered promised pleasure, 

And bade the lovely scenes at distance hail : 

Still would her touch the strain + prolong; 
And from the rocks, the woods, the vale, 

She called on Echo still through all her song ; 
And where her sweetest theme she chose, 
A soft + responsive voice was heard at every close : 

And Hope, enchanted, smiled, and waved her golden hair. 

6- And longer had she sung, but with a frown, 
Revenge impatient rose. 
He threw his blood-stained sword in thunder down, 
And, with a withering look, 
The war-denouncing trumpet took, 
And blew a blast so loud and dread, 

Were ne'er prophetic sounds so full of woe ; 
And ever and anon, he beat 
The doubling drum with furious heat ; 
And though, sometimes, each dreary pause between, 
Dejected Pity at his side, 
Her soul-subduing voice applied, 
Yet still he kept his wild, unaltered mien ; 
While each strained ball of sight seemed bursting from his 
head. 

7. Thy numbers, Jealousy, to nought were fixed- 

Sad proof of thy distressful state ; 
Of differing + themes the veering song was mixed; 

And now it courted Love ; now, raving, called on Hate. 

8. With eyes upraised, as one inspired, 
Pale Melancholy sat retired ; 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 289 

And, from her wild sequestered seat, 

In notes by distance made more sweet, 
Poured through the mellow horn her pensive soul ; 

And dashing soft from rocks around, 

Bubbling runnels joined the sound : 
Through glades and glooms the mingled measures stole, 
Or, o'er some + haunted streams, with fond delay, 

(Hound a holy calm diffusing, 

Love of peace and lonely musing), 
In hollow murmurs die away. 

9. But, oh ! how altered was its sprightlier tone, 

When Cheerfulness, a nymph of healthiest hue, 

Her bow across her shoulder flung, 
Her buskins gemmed with morning dew, 

Blew an + inspiring air, that + dale and thicket rung, 
The hunter's call, to Faun and Dryad known. 

The oak-crowned sisters and their chaste-eyed queen, 

Satyrs and sylvan boys were seen, 

Peeping from forth their alleys green : 

Brown Exercise rejoiced to hear, 

And Sport leaped up and seized his beechen spear. 

iO. Last, came Joy's ecstatic trial : 

He, with viny crown advancing, 
First to the lively pipe his hand addressed ; 

But soon he saw the brisk awakening viol, 
Whose sweet f entrancing voice he loved the best. 
They would have thought, who heard the strain, 
They saw in Tempe's vale her native maids, 
Amid the + festal-sounding shades, 

To some unwearied + minstrel dancing, 
While, as his flying fingers kissed the strings, 
Love framed with Mirth a gay + fantastic round, 
(Loose were her tresses seen, her zone unbound), 
And he, amid his frolic play, 
As if he would the charming air repay, 
Shook thousand + odors from his dewy wings. 

Collins. 



Questions. — What is that figure of speech, by which passions, 
<fcc., are addressed as animated beings ? "What is meant by " shell " in 
the 3d line ? What is this ode intended to illustrate ? Who were the 
Fauns and Dryads ? What do you know of Tempe's vale ? What parts 
of the above sketch should be read in a lively manner '( How should 
Stanzas 2, 3, 4, and 8, be read ? How should the 6th stanza be read ? 
25 



290 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XCIII. 

Remabk. — "While each pupil reads, let the rest ODserve and then 
mention which syllables are pronounced wrong, and, also, which sylla- 
bles or letters are omitted or indistinctly uttered. 



Am-a-teurs', n. lovers of the fine 
arts, such as music, painting, <tc. 

1. llaut'-boy, n. (pro. ho' -boy) an in- 
strument of music. 

2. Throes, n. extreme pain, anguish. 

3. Brawn'-y, a. fleshy, having largo 
muscles. 



Goad'-ed, v. pricked. 

5. Jole, a. the cheek: cheek by jole 
means, with the cheeks close together. 
Bul'-cet, a. sweet to the ear, melo- 
dious. 

6. Erst, adv. formerly, long ago. 
. JJire, a. horrible, dismal. 



THE AMATEURS. 



This piece is a + travesty or +po.rody, that is, it is written in the style of a 
serious poem, but for the purpose of rendering its subject ridiculous or ludicrous. 
It is written in the style of the Ode on the Passions, the lesson that precedes it, 
and is designed to ridicule a self-conceited and ignorant musician "who i 
represented in the piece under a fictitious name. 

1. "When Festin, heavenly + swain, was young, 
When first + attuned his viol rung, 

And the soft hautboy's melting trill 
Confessed the magic-master's skill; 
Beneath his opening windows round 
The admiring + rabble caught the sound; 
And oft, at early morn, the throng 
Besieged the house to hear his song. 
Till once, 'tis said, when all were fired, 
Tilled with fury, rapt, inspired, 
"With, one consent, they brought around 
Dire instruments of grating sound; 
And each, (for madness ruled the hour), 
Would try his own sky -rending power. 

2. First in the ranks, his skill to try, 
A stout and sturdy clown was there ; 
A deafening hautboy, cracked and dry, 
Brayed harsh + discordance on the air ; 
With breath retained, and labored grin, 
Bapt by his own tumultuous din, 
With blood suspended in his face, 

And paws that could not find their place, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 291 

The champion played : while every peal confessed 
How strong the throes that heaved his + massy chest. 

3. Next, came a brawny nurse, but six feet high, 
"With leathern lungs, and throat of brass supplied; 
Striving with "Chevy Chase " and "Lullaby/' 

To drown the screeching infant at her side. 

And ever and anon the babe she seized, 

And squeezed and sung, and sung and squeezed : 

Although sometimes, each dreary pause between, 

The strangled infant's piercing + shrieks, 

And writhing limbs, and blackening cheeks, 

Full well confessed the secret pin, 

That keenly goaded him within, 

Yet closer squeezed the nurse, and louder was her din. 

4. A + wheezing sawyer, standing by, 
Industriously was sawing wood ; 
Though dull his saw, his throat was dry; 
Awhile he used them as he could. 

At length, grown tired of toil in vain, 

The wretch resolved to change his strain; 

With fell intent, defying nature's law, 

He paused, and held his breath — to whet his saw. 

With eyes half closed, and raised to heaven, 

And starting teeth from sockets driven, 

And clinching jaws, convulsed with + ghastly smile, 

Across the wiry edge he drew the screaking file. 

5 A boy came next, loud ''"whooping to the gale, 
And on his truant shoulders bore a pole : 
Two furious cats, + suspended by the tail, 
Were swinging, cheek by jole. 
O dulcet cats ! thus hung at leisure, 
What was your delighted measure ! 
Entangled in no faint embrace, 
With claws deep buried in each other's face, 
How did you hiss and spit your venom round, 
W^ith murderous yell of more than earthly sound 2 
dulcet cats ! could one more pair like you, 
The + concert join, and pour the strain anew, 
Not man could bear, nor demon's ear sustain 
The + fiendish caterwaul of rage and pain. 

6. A fish cart next came rattling by; 
Its lusty driver, perched on high, 
Recruited by his recent bowl, 
Poured through the deafening horn his greedy soul. 



292 



Such notes he blew, as erst threw down 

Old Jericho's substantial town ; 

While scarce was heard, so loud he wound his peal, 

The mangled cur that yelped beneath his wheel. 

7. Then came a child + eloped from home, 
Pleased in the streets at large to roam; 
His cart behind he dragged; before 
A huge tin coffee-pot he bore, 
Which, ever and anon, he beat 
With sticks and stones in furious heat : 
Nor heeded he, that at his heels 
The crier rung his frequent peals : 
With brazen throat, and hideous yell, 
That distanced all the hounds of hell, 
In air his + stunning bell he tossed, 
And swelled, and snouted, " lost ! lost ! lost ! " 



Emblem of justice, high above, 

A + ponderous pair of steelyards hung; 

Hooked by the nose, his weight to prove, 

A living hog beneath was swung. 

Dire was the squeal that rent the sky 

With sounds too dread for earthly throat; 

While not a butcher + lingered nigh 

To stop the howling monster's note. 

Fast to escape the hated strain, 

With ears + comprest, some fled + amain, 

While others paused, all hopeless of relief, 

And mourned that fortune had not made them deaf. 

Thus, long ago, 

Ere Colin drew his fiddlebow, 

While jarring sawmills yet were mute; 

The jarring, howling, deafening choir, 

With notes + combined in concert dire, 

Could shake the sky, the solid earth could move, 

While milder thunders burst unheard above. 

Monthly Anthology. 



Questions. — What is a travesty or parody? For what purpose 
Was this lesson written ? Name the several performers described. 

Point out some instances in this lesson, to which Rule I, for inflections, 
applies. Rule II, or any of the particulars specified under it. Rule IV. 

Parse "grown" and "tired," in the 4th paragraph. "Lost," in the 
7th. *f Hooked," in the 8th. " To escape," in the same. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



293 



LESSON XCIV. 

Remark. — Be careful not to slip cv*er or mispronounce the small 
•words. 

Sound the r distinctly in the following words in this lesson: beware, 
scattered, Cumberland, there, despair, merciless, coward, bird, far, 
stars, fire, peerless, banners, mark, marshaled, swords, their, are, har- 
vest, claymore, cover, lore, where, near. 



Es-pous'-ed, v. embraced. 
Dis-as'-trous, a. unfortunate. 

2, Low'-lands, n. the south of Scotland, 
called thus because the land lies 
comparatively low. The northern 
part is called the Highlands, because 
it is hilly. [ited horse does. 

7. Pran'-ces, v. bounds as a high-spir- 
18. Reek, v. to give out steam or vapor. 

20. Go'-ry, a. bloody. 

21. Do'-tard, n. a foolish old man. 



22. Phan'-tom,«. a specter, an apparition. 

34. A'e-rie, «. (pro. a'-ry, or e'-ry) an 
eagle's nest. 

35. Crest'-ed, a. wearing a plume ; here 
used figuratively for proud, lofty, 
Peer'-less, a. having no equal. 

48. Clay'-more, n. a two-handled sword 

used by the Scotch. 
55. Mys'-tic-al, a. secret, obscure. 

Lore, n. knowledge, instruction. 
78. Sooth'-less, a. truthless, false. 



LOCHIEL'S WARNING. 

Lochiel was a brave and influential Highland ^Chieftain. He espoused the 
cause of Charles Stuart, called the Pretender, who claimed the British throne. 
In the following piece, he is supposed to be marching with the warriors of his 
clan, to join Charles' army. On his way he is met by a Seer, who, having, accord- 
ing, to the popular superstition, the gift of second sight, or prophecy, forewarns 
him of the disastrous event of the "^enterprise, and exhorts him to return home, 
and avoid the destruction which certainly awaited him, and which afterward fell 
upon him at the battle of Culloden, in 1745. 

Seer. Lochiel ! Lochiel ! beware of the day 

When the Lowlands shall meet thee in battle array ! 
For a field of the dead rushes red on my sight, 
And the clans of Culloden are scattered in fight ; 
5. They rally, they bleed, for their kingdom and crown; 
Woe, woe to the riders that trample them down ! 
Proud Cumberland prances, insulting the slain, 
And their hoof-beaten bosoms are trod to the plain. 
But hark ! through the fast-flashing lightning of war, 
10. What steed to the desert flies + frantic and far? 
'T is thine, Grlenullin ! * whose bride shall await, 



* Another name for Lochiel. 



294 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Like a love-lighted watchfire, all night at the gate. 
A steed comes at morning ; no rider is there ; 
But its bridle is red with the sign of despair. 
15. Weep, Albin !* to death and captivity led ! 

weep ! but thy tears can not number the dead : 
For a merciless sword on Culloden shall wave, 
Culloden ! that reeks with the blood of the brave. 

Lochiel. Go, preach to the coward, thou death-telling seer ! 
20. Or, if gory Culloden so dreadful appear, 

Draw, dotard, around thy old wavering sight, 
This mantle, to cover the phantom of fright. 

Seer. Ha ! laugh' st thou, Lochiel, my vision to scorn ? 

Proud bird of the mountain, thy plume shall be torn ! 
25. Say, rushed the bold eagle + exultingly forth, 

From his home, in the dark-rolling clouds of the north ? 

Lo ! the death shot of foemen out-speeding, he rode 

Companionless, bearing destruction abroad ; 

But down let him stoop from his + havoc on high ! 
30. Ah ! home let him speed, for the spoiler is nigh. 

Why flames the far summit ? Why shoot to the blast 

Those embers, like stars from the firmament cast ? 

'T is the fire shower of ruin, all dreadfully driven 

From his aerie that + beacons the darkness of heaven. 
35. Oh crested Lochiel ! the peerless in might, 

Whose banners arise on the + battlements' hight : 

Heaven's fire is around thee, to blast and to burn; 

Return to thy dwelling ! all lonely return ! 

For the blackness of ashes shall mark where it stood, 
40. And a wild mother scream o'er her famishing brood. 

Loch. False Wizard, avaunt ! I have marshaled my clan ; 
Their swords are a thousand, their bosoms are one ! 
They are true to the last of their blood and their breath, 
And like reapers descend to the harvest of death. 
45. Then welcome be Cumberland's steed to the shock ! 
Let him dash his proud foam like a wave on the rock ! 
But woe to his kindred, and woe to his cause, 
When Albin her claymore indignantly draws ; 
When her bonneted chieftains to victory crowd, 
50. Clan Ranald the + dauntless, and Moray the proud; 
All plaided and plumed in their tartan array — 

Seer. Lochiel, Lochiel, beware of the day ! 

For, dark and despairing, my sight I may seal, 
But man can not cover what Grod would reveal : 

* The poetic name for Scotland, more particularly the Highlands. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 295 

55. 'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore, 

And coming events cast their shadows before. 

I tell thee Culloden's dread echoes shall ring 

With the bloodhounds, that bark for thy fugitive king. 

Lo ! anointed by heaven with the vials of wrath, 
60. Behold where he flies on his desolate p 

Now, in darkness and billows, he sweeps from my s". 

Hise ! rise ! ye wild tempests, and cover his flight ! 

'T is finished. Their thunders are hushed on the moors; 

Culloden is lost, and my country + deplores; 
65. But where is the iron-bound prisoner 1'f Where ? 

For, the red eye of battle is shut in despair. 

Say, mounts he the ocean wave, banished, forlorn. 

Like a limb from his country, cast bleeding and torn ? 

Ah no ! for a darker departure is near; 
70. The war drum is + muffled, and black is the bier; 

His death bell is tolling ; oh ! mercy ! dispel 

Yon sight that it freezes my spirit to tell 1 

Life flutters + convulsed in his quivering limbs, 

And his blood-streaming nostril in + agony swims. 
75. Accursed be the faggots that blaze at his feet, 

Where his heart shall be thrown, ere it ceases to beat. 

With the smoke of its ashes to poison the gale — 

Loch, Down, soothless insulter ! I trust not the tale, 

Though my perishing ranks should be +strewed in their gore, 

80. Like ocean weeds heaped on the + surf-beaten shore, 
Lochiel, + untainted by flight or by chains, 
While the kindling of life in his bosom remains, 
Shall victor + exult, or in death be laid low, 
With his back to the field, and his feet to the foe ! 

85. And leaving in battle no blot on his name, 

Look proudly to heaven from the death bed of fame. 

Campbell. 



Questions. — Who was Lochiel? For whom did he fight? What 
is meant by a Seer? What is meant by the "lowlands?" What is a 
clan ? On which side was Cumberland ? What do you understand by 
their bosoms being " hoof -beaten ? " Explain the reference to the steed. 
How did Lochiel reply to the warning of the Seer? Explain the reference 
to the "eagle." Explain the figure of the "reapers." Who were " Clan 
Ranald " and " Moray '? " What is meant by " plaided ? " What became 
of the King, or Pretender, as he was called ? How did Lochiel boastingly 
reply to the Seer ? Were his notions of the glory of such a death correct? 
What became of Lochiel ? 

* Alluding to the narrow escape of Charles by water from the west of Scotland. 
f He refers here to Lochiel. 



296 M°GDFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON XCV. 

Remark. — The tones of the voice, and the manner of reading, should 
correspond with the nature of the subject. (Deep emotion is to be ex- 
pressed in the following soliloquy.) 

Pronounce each word correctly and distinctly. — Sha-ken, pro. 
sua-k'n : fa-vor-ite, not fa-v'rite ; land-scape, not Ian 7 skip : hid-e-ous 
not hid-je-ous ; fam-i-ly, not fam'ly ; vi-per-ous, not vi-p 7 rous; pur-chase, 
not pur-chis. 



4. Fiends, n. (pro. feends) infernal be- 1 5. Ex-halo', v. (pro. egz-hale') to Bend 
Vi'-per-ous, a. like a serpent. [ings. out. 



CHARLES DE MOOR'S REMORSE. 

1. I must rest here. My joints are shaken asunder. My 
tongue "•'cleaves to my mouth. * * * How glorious, how 
+ majestic, yonder setting sun ! 'Tis thus the hero falls, 'tis thus 
he dies, in godlike majesty ! When I was a boy, a mere child, it 
was my favorite thought, to live and die like that sun. 

2. 'T was an idle thought, a boy's + conceit. There was a time, 
there was a time, when I could not sleep, if I had forgotten my 
prayers ! Oh that I were a child once more ! 

3. "What a lovely evening! what a pleasing landscape! That 
scene is noble ! this world is beautiful ! the earth is grand ! But 
I am hideous in this world of beauty! a monster on this + mag- 
nificent earth ! the prodigal son ! My innocence ! Oh my inno- 
cence ! All nature + expands at the sweet breath of spring : but, 
oh God, this + paradise, this heaven is a hell to me! All is happi- 
ness around me, all is the sweet spirit of peace : the world is one 
family, but its Father there above is not my father. 

4. I am an outcast ! the prodigal son ! the companion of mur- 
derers, of viperous fiends ! bound down, enchained to guilt and 
horror ! Oh ! that I could return once more to peace and inno- 
cence ! that I hung an infant on the breast ! that I were born a 
beggar, the meanest kind, a + peasant of the field ! 

5. I would toil, till the sweat of blood dropped from my brow, 
to purchase the + luxury of one sound sleep, the + rapture of a 
single tear ! There was a time when I could weep with ease. Oh 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



297 



days of bliss ! Oh mansion of my fathers ! Scenes of my infant 
years, enjoyed by fond + enthusiasm! will you no more return? 
No more exhale your sweets to cool this burning bosom ? 

6. Oh! never, never shall they return! No more + refresh this 
bosom with the breath of peace. They are gone ! gone forever ! 

Schiller. 



Question s. — "What had evidently been the conduct and character of 
the person who speaks in this lesson ? Why was he now so wretched ? 
Is a wicked man ever happy long ? In what way can a man be truly and 
permanently happy ? What inflection prevails in this lesson ? Why ? 
Point out the emphatic words in this lesson. 



LESSON XCVI. 

Articulate the h clearly: high, heart, happiness, heaven, hard, 
had, hearken, here, have, happy, whit, howling, hearth, whenever, 
hypocrites. 

Articulate the d: seem/d, talk'd, mind, call'd, preferr'd, Eng- 
land, land, launch' d, soiFd, round, intend. 



Pcr-son'-i-fied, p. represented with 
attributes of a person. 
Al'-le-go-ri-zed, p. turned into an al- 
legory, or a figurative description. 
En-shri'-ned, p. preserved in a sacred 
chest. [accord. 

Spon-ta'-ne-ous-ly, adv. of its own 
Prim'-i-tive, a. first, original. 
Pu'-ri-tan, n. a name given to those 
who separated from the Church of 
England, in the days of Queen Eliz- 



abeth. They were so called because 
they professed to follow the pure 
word of God. 

The-o-crat'-ic-al, a. conducted by the 
immediate agency of God. 

10. Pen'-ta-teuch, n. (pro. Pen'-ta-tuke) 
the first five books of the old Testa- 
ment, [figuratively. 
Im-bu'-ed, p. tinged, dyed, used 

13. Ar'-ro-ga-ting, p. claiming more re- 
spect than is just. 



CHARACTER OP THE PURITAN FATHERS OP NEW ENGLAND. 

1. One of the most + prominent features which distinguished 
our forefathers, was their determined resistance to oppression. 
They seemed born and brought up, for the high and special pur- 
pose of showing to the world, that the civil and religious rights of 
man, the rights of + self-government, of conscience, and independ- 
ent thought, are not merely things to be talked of, and woven into 



298 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

theories, but to be adopted with the whole strength and ardor of 
the mind, and felt in the profoundest recesses of the heart, and 
carried out into the general life, and made the foundation of prac- 
tical usefulness, and visible beauty, and true nobility. 

2. Liberty with them, was an object of too serious desire and 
stern resolve, to be personified, allegorized, and enshrined. They 
made no goddess of it, as the ancients did : they had no time nor 
inclination for such trifling; they felt that liberty was the simple 
birthright of every human creature; they called it so; they 
claimed it as such; they reverenced and held it fast as the 
+ unalienable gift of the Creator, which was not to be surrendered 
to power, nor sold for wages. 

3. It was theirs, as men; without it, they did not esteem them- 
selves men; more than any other privilege or possession, it was 
+ essential to their happiness, for it was essential to their original 
nature ; and therefore they preferred it above wealth, and ease, and 
country; and that they might enjoy and exercise it full}'', they 
forsook houses, and lands, and kindred, their homes, their native 
soil, and their father's graves. 

4. They left all these ; they left England, which, whatever it 
might have been called, was not to them a land of freedom; they 
launched forth on the pathless ocean, the wide, + fathomless ocean, 
soiled not by the earth beneath, and bounded, all round and above, 
only by heaven ; and it seemed to them like that better and + sub- 
limer freedom, which their country knew not, but of which they 
had the conception and image in their hearts ; and, after a toil- 
some and painful voyage, they came to a hard and wintry coast, 
unfruitful and + desolate, but unguarded and boundless; its calm 
silence interrupted not the ascent of their prayers; it had no eyes 
to watch, no ears to hearken, no tongues to report of them; here, 
again, there was an answer to their soul's desire, and they were 
satisfied, and gave thanks; they saw that they were free, and the 
desert smiled. 

5. I am telling an old tale; but it is one which must be told, 
when we speak of those men. It is to be added, that they trans- 
mitted their principles to their children, and that peopled by such 
a race, our country was always free. So long as its inhabitants 
were "♦* unmolested by the mother country, in the exercise of their 
important rights, they submitted to the form of English govern- 
ment; but when those. rights were invaded, they spurned even the 
form away. 

6. This act was the revolution, which came of course, and spon- 
taneously, and had nothing in it of the wonderful or unforeseen. 
The wonder would have been, if it had not occurred. It was, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 299 

indeed, a Happy and glorious event, but by no means unnatural ; 
and I intend no slight to the revered actors in the revolution, when 
I assert that their fathers before them were as free as they — every 
whit as free. 

7. The principles of the revolution were not the suddenly 
acquired property of a few bosoms ; they were abroad in the land 
in the ages before ; they had always been taught, like the truths 
of the Bible ; they had descended from father to son, down from 
those primitive days, when the + pilgrim, established in his simple 
dwelling, and seated at his blazing fire, piled high from the forest 
which shaded his door, repeated to his listening children the story 
of his wrongs and his resistance, and bade them rejoice, though 
the wild winds and the wild beasts were howling without, that 
they had nothing to fear from great men's oppression. 

8. Here were the beginnings of the revolution. Every settler's 
hearth was a school of independence ; the scholars were apt, and 
the lessons sunk deeply ; and thus it came that our country was 
always free ; it could not be other than free. 

9. As deeply seated as was the principle of liberty and resist- 
ance to arbitrary power, in the breasts of the Puritans, it was not 
more so than their piety and sense of religious obligation. They 
were emphatically a people whose G-od was the Lord. Their form 
of government was as strictly theocratical, if direct communication 
be excepted, as was that of the Jews ; insomuch that it would be 
difficult to say, where there was any civil authority among them 
entirely distinct from + ecclesiastical jurisdiction. 

10. Whenever a few of them settled a town, they immediately 
gathered themselves into a church ; and their elders were magis- 
trates, and their code of laws was the Pentateuch. These were 
forms, it is true, but forms which faithfully + indicated principles 
and feelings : for no people could have adopted such forms, who 
were not thoroughly imbued with the spirit, and bent on the 
practice, of religion. 

11. God was their King; and they regarded him as truly and 
literally so, as if he had dwelt in a visible palace in the midst of 
their state. They were his devoted, + resolute, humble subjects; 
they undertook nothing which they did not beg of him to prosper; 
they accomplished nothing without rendering to him the praise ; 
they suffered nothing without carrying up their sorrows to his 
throne ; they ate nothing which they did not "*" implore him to 
bless. 

12. Their piety was not merely external; it was sincere; it 
Jiad the proof of a good tree in bearing good fruit ; it produced 



300 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

and sustained a strict morality. Their + tenacious purity of man- 
ners and speech obtained for them, in the mother country, their 
name of Puritans, which, though given in derision, was as hon- 
orable an appellation as was ever bestowed by man on man. 

13. That there were hypocrites among them, is not to be 
doubted; but they were rare; the men who voluntarily exiled 
themselves to an unknown coast, and endured there every toil and 
hardship for conscience' sake, and that they might serve God in 
their own manner, were not likely to set conscience at defiance, 
and make the services of God a mockery ; they were not likely to 
be, neither were they, + hypocrites. I do not know that it would 
be arrogating too much for them to say, that, on the extended 
surface of the globe, there was not a single community of men to 
be compared with them, in the respects of deep religious impres- 
sions, and an exact performance of moral duty. 

Greenwood. 



Questions. — What was one of the prominent traits of character in 
the Puritans ? How did they regard liberty ? "What was their conduct 
in support of liberty ? Why was the revolution a perfectly natural event, 
or just what might have been expected ? From whence were derived the 
principles of the revolution ? How were their systems of government 
formed? What was the character of their piety ? As a community, how 
will they bear comparison, for moral worth, with all other communities, 
past or present ? 

Which are the pronouns in the 12th paragraph ? For what noun does 
" their " stand ? For what does "it" stand? Parse "which." Parse 
the last " as." 



ARTICULATION. 

Shrill, trump, scramble, scribblers, scrawl, strange, scratch. 

The shrill trump of victory. We scrambled up the hill. Scribblers 
scrawl strange stories. Diamonds scratch glass. They furl'd the sails. 
His chains clank'd. He handles the instruments slcillfidly. The blue 
waves curVd. We were xmharm'd amid the conflict of elements. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



301 



LESSON XCVII. 

Give each letter its full and correct sound. — Gov-ern-or, not 
gov' nor: come-li-ness, not come-li-niss : e-rect, not e-rec : hon-or-a-ble, 
not hon-rer-ble : hands, not han's : venge-ance, not venge-unce. 



Come'-li-ness, n. that which is becoming 

or graceful. 
Port, n. manner of movement or walk. 
At-tire', n. dress, clothes. 
Rife, a. prevalent. 
Tarn'-ish, v. to soil, to dirty. 
Av-a-lanche', n. a vast body of snow 

sliding down from a mountain, [give. 
Youch-safe', v. to yield, to condescend, to 
Net'- ted, v. caught in a net. 



Fledge'-ling, n. a young bird. 
Rec-og-ni'-tion, n. acknowledgment of 

acquaintance. 
Pre-con-cert'-ed, p. planned beforehand. 
Cai'-tiff, n. a mean villain. 
Thrall'-dom, n. bondage, slavery. 
Scan, v. to examine closely. 
Neth'-er, a. lower, lying beneath. 
Blanch, v. to turn white. 
Gust, a. taste, relish. 



WILLIAM TELL. 



[The events here referred to, occurred in 1307. Switzerland had been con- 
quered by Austria ; and Gesler, one of the basest and most tyrannical of men, 
was her governor. As a refinement of tyranny, he had his cap elevated on a 
pole, and commanded that every one should bow before it. William Tell proudly 
refused to submit to this degrading mark of slavery. He was arrested and 
carried before the governor. The day before, his son Albert, without the knowl- 
edge of his father, had fallen into the hands of Gesler.] 

Scene 1. — A Chamber in the Castle. Enter Gesler, Officers, 
and Sarnem, with Tell in chains and guarded. 

Sar. Down, slave ! Behold the governor. 

Down ! down ! and beg for mercy. 
Ges. (Seated.) Does he hear ? 
Sar. He does, but braves thy power. 
Officer. Why do n't you smite him for that look ? 
Ges. Can I believe 

My eyes ? He smiles ! Nay, grasps 

His chains as he would make a weapon of them 

To lay the smiter dead. (To Tell.) 

"Why speakest thou not ? 
Tell. For wonder. 
Ges. Wonder ? 

Tell. Yes, that thou shouldst seem a man. 
Ges. What should I seem ? 
Tell. A monster. 



302 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Ges. Ha ! Beware ! Think on thy chains. 

Tell. Though they were doubled, and did weigh me down 
+ Prostrate to earth, inethinks I could rise up 
Erect, with nothing but the honest pride 
Of telling thee, + usurper, to thy teeth, 
Thou art a monster ! Think up.m thy chains ? 
How came they on me ? 

Ges. Darest thou question me ? 

Tell. Darest thou not answer ? 

Ges. Do I hear ? 

Tell. Thou dost. 

Ges. Beware my + vengeance. 

Tell. Can it more than kill ? 

Ges. Enough ; it can do that. 

Tell. No ; not enough : 

It can not take away the grace of life ; 

Its comeliness of look that virtue gives; 

Its port + erect with + consciousness of truth; 

Its rich attire of honorable deeds ; 

Its fair report that 's rife on good men's tongues : 

It can not lay its hands on these, no more 

Than it can pluck the brightness from the sun, 

Or with + polluted finger tarnish it. 

Ges. But it can make thee writhe. 

Tell. It may. 

Ges. And groan. 

Tell. It may ; and I may cry, 

Go on, though it should make me groan again. 
Ges. Whence comest thou ? 
Tell. From the mountains. Wouldst thou learn 

What news from them ? 

Ges. Canst tell me any ? 

Tell. Ay : they watch no more the avalanche. 

Ges. Why so ? 

Tell. Because they look for thee. The + hurricane 
Comes + unawares upon them ; from its bed 
The torrent breaks, and finds them in its track. 

Ges. What do they then ? 

Tell. Thank heaven, it is not thou ! 

Thou hast "'"perverted nature in them. 

There 's not a blessing heaven vouchsafes them, but 

The thought of thee — doth wither to a curse. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 303 

Ges. That 's right ! I'd have them like their hills, 

That never smile, though + wanton summer tempt 

Them e'er so much. 
Tell. But thej do sometimes smile. 
Ges. Ay ! when is that ? 
Tell. When they do talk of vengeance. 
Ges. Vengeance ? Dare they talk of that ? 
Tell. Ay, and expect it too. 
Ges. From whence ? 
Tell. From heaven ! 
Ges. From heaven ? 
Tell. And their true hands 

Are lifted up to it on every hill 

For justice on thee. 
Ges. Where 's thy abode ? 
Tell. I told thee on the mountains. 
Ges. Art married ? 
Tell. Yes. 

Ges. And hast a family ? 
Tell A son. 
Ges. A son ? Sarnem ! 

Sar. My lord, the boy — ( Gesler signs to Sarnem to keep silence, 

and, whispering, sends him off.) 
Tell. The boy ? What boy ? 

Is 't mine ? and have they netted my young fledgeling ? 

Now heaven support me, if they have ! He '11 own me, 

And share his father's ruin ! But a look 

Would put him on his guard ; yet how to give it ! 

Now, heart, thy nerve ; forget thou art flesh, be rock. 

They come, they come ! 

That step — that step — that little step, so light 

Upon the ground, how heavy does it fall 

Upon my heart ! I feel my child ! (Enter Sarnem with 

Albert, whose eyes are riveted r on, TelTs bow, which Sarnem 
'Tis he ! We can but perish. [carries.) 

Sar. See! 

Alb. What? 

Sar. Look there ! 

Alb. I do, what would you have me see ? 

Sar. Thy father. 

AIL. Who ? That — that my father ? 



304 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Tell. My boy ! my boy ! my own brave boy ! 
He's safe ! (Aside.) 

Sar. (Aside to Gesler.) They're like each other. 

Ges. Yet I see no sign 

Or recognition to betray the link 
Unites a father and his child. 

Sar. My lord, 

I am sure it is his father. Look at them. 
It may be 

A preconcerted thing 'gainst such a chance, 
That they + survey each other coldly thus. 

Ges. We shall try. Lead forth the caitiff. 

Sar. To a dungeon ? 

Ges. No ; into the court. 

Sar. The court, my lord ? 

Ges. And send 

To tell the headsman to make ready. Quick ! 
The slave shall die ! You marked the boy ? 

Sar. I did. He started ; 't is his father. 

Ges. We shall see. Away with him 1 

Tell. Stop! Stop! 

Ges. What would you ? 

Tell. Time ! A little time to call my thoughts together. 

Ges. Thou shalt not have a minute. 

Tell. Some one, then, to speak with. 

Ges. Hence with him ! 

Tell. A moment ! Stop ! 

Let me speak to the boy. 

Ges. Is he thy son ? 

Tell. And if 

He were, art thou so lost to nature, as 
To send me forth to die before his face ? 

Ges. Well ! speak with him. 

Now, Sarnem, mark them well. 

Tell. Thou dost not know me, boy ; and well for thee 
Thou dost not. I 'm the father of a son 
About thy age. Thou, 
I see, wast born like him, upon the hills ; 
If thou should' st 'scape thy present thralldom, he 
May chance to cross thee; if he should, I pray thee 
Relate to him what has been passing here, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 305 

And say I laid my hand upon thy head, 
And said to thee, if he were here, as thou art, 
Thus would I bless him. May est thou live, my boy ! 
To see thy country free, or die for her, 
. As I do ! (Albert weeps.) 

Sar. Mark ! he weeps. 

Tell. Were he my son, 

He would not shed a tear ! Pie would remember 
The cliff where he was bred, and learned to scan 
A thousand fathoms' depth of nether air ; 
Where he was + trained to hear the thunder talk, 
And meet the lightning eye to eye ; where last 
We spoke together, when I told him death 
Bestowed the brightest gem that graces life, 
Embraced for virtue's sake. He shed a tear ? 
Now were he by, I 'd talk to him, and his cheek 
Should never blanch, nor moisture dim his eye— 
I 'd talk to him — 

Sar. He falters ! 

Tell. ; T is too much ! 

And yet it must be done ! I 'd talk to him— - 

Ges. Of what? 

Tell. The mother, tyrant, thou dost make 
A widow of ! I'd talk to him of her. 
I'd bid him tell her, next to .liberty, 
Her name was the last word my lips pronounced, 
And I would charge him never to forget 
To love and + cherish her, as he would have 



His father's dying blessing rest upon him 



Sar. You see, as he doth + prompt, the other acts. 

Tell. So well he bears it, he doth "'"vanquish me. 
My boy ! my boy ! for the hills, the hills, 
To see him bound along their tops again, 
With liberty. 

Sar. Was there not all the father in that look ? 

Ges. Yet 'tis 'gainst nature. 

Sar. Not if he believes 

To own the son would be to make him share 
The father's death. 

Ges. I did not think of that ! 'T is well 

The boy is not thy son. I've + destined him 
To die along with thee. 

Tell To die? For what? 

26 



306 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Ges. For having braved my power, as thou hast. Lead 
Them forth. 

Tell. He's but a child. 

Ges. Away with them ! 

Tell. Perhaps an only child. 

Ges. No matter. 

Tell. He may have a mother. 

Ges. So the viper hath ; 

And yet, who spares it for the mother's sake ? 

Tell. I talk to stone ! I talk to it as though 

'T were flesh; and know \ is none. I'll talk to it 

No more. Come, my boy, 

I taught thee how to live, I'll show thee how to die, 

Ges. He is thy child ? 

Till. He is my child. 

Ges. I 've wrung a tear from him ! Thy name ? 

Tell. My name ? 

It matters not to keep it from thee now; 
My name is Tell. 

Ges. Tell? William Tell? 

Tell The same. 

Ges. "What ! he, so famed 'bove all his countrymen 
For guiding o'er the stormy lake the boat ? 
And such a master of his bow, 't is said 
His arrows never miss ! Indeed ! I'll take 
+ Exquisite vengeance ! Mark ! I'll spare thy life j 
Thy boy's too ; both of you are free ; on one 
Condition. 

Tell. Name it, 

Ges. I would see you make 

A trial of your skill with that same bow 

You shoot so well with. 
Tell. Name the trial you 

Would have me make. 
Ges. You look upon your boy 

As though instinctively you guessed it. 
Tell. Look upon my boy ? What mean you ? Look upon 

My boy as though I guessed it ? Guessed the trial 

You 'd have me make ? Guessed it 

+ Instinctively ? You do not mean — no — no — 

You would not have me make a trial of 






01 TEE ECLECTIC 5"/ 307 

:'-- aldl] -.;- na Hnry eMW ! Impossible! 
I do n:: _ a bss v Ma meanii 

Thee hit an apple a : I fa ;- - : _ : of 



",::. Is -v c:t :: h:ll i: ? ^ 

N a 
Te&. No I I 'U send the arrow through tli: " 

I: if :: rest npon his head. 
Te& Great hea-r ; n . j a iiear him ! 
G 5 **. Hi ". I si fa :■ the choice I grrs 

Such trial of the skill thou art master of, 

Or des fch :; both of you; not otherwise 

To be escaped. 
Tdl. O, mens 
Gts. Wilt thon do 
Alb. He will! 
Tell. Ferocious monster ! Make 

A father murder his own child ? 

Gts. Takeoff 

His ;Ii:-:"s. :: "_:■ ::^ ; ;v" 

TeS. With nm own hand! 

:-:-. F'.fs I; ;:*25;~: : 

Alb. He does. Ttsler signs to Ms officers, iclio proceed to talc* 
' - ; Tell uric, nsci J \ai ti 

: '" - "_-> ---■ ; 

lex his IT 1 with his own hand ? This hand I 

I I . 1 him, when an infant, l 

What's that you've 

. . . 

'■'-' - ;n my eh o. My hands 

m blood] and have no gust for 
That - Here! here! I'll not 

Murder 

Alb. Father! 

I I- - -I ." - 

missing :' 
Or, if tl 
Man; [ d thy moth 



308 M°GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



Cover with kisses? Hit thee ? Hit a hair 

Of thee, and + cleave thy mother's heart? 
Ges. Dost thou consent? 
Tell. Give me my bow and quiver. 
Ges. For what ? 
Tell. ^To shoot my boy ! 
Alb. No, father, no! 

To save me ! you'll be sure to hit the apple. 

Will you not save me, father ? 
Tell. Lead me forth, 

I'll make the trial! 
Alb. Thank you! 
Tell. Thank me ? 

You know for what ? I will not make the trial, 

To take him to his mother in my arms, 

And lay him down a + corse before her. 

Ges. Then he dies this moment, and you certainly 
Do murder him whose life you have a chance 
To save, and will not use it. 

Tell. Well, I '11 do it : I '11 make the trial. 

Alb. Father! 

Tell. Speak not to me : 

Let me not hear thy voice : thou must be dumb ; 
And so should all things be. Earth should be dumb ; 
And heaven — unless its thunders muttered at 
The deed, and sent a bolt to stop it ! Give me 
My bow and quiver ! 

Ges. When all's ready. 

Tell. Well, lead on ! Knowles. 



Questions. — "Why does Gesler express joy that his subjects are un- 
happy ? Why does Albert appear not to recognize his father ? Why does 
Tell at last acknowledge Albert ? 

Parse the first two words in this lesson. Parse "to shoot" on the last 
page. " To sa^e " on the same. " To take " and " lay." 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 309 



LESSON XCVIII. 

Remark. — Do not slide over the little words, or omit any syllable of 
a word. 

Sound each letter distinctly and correctly. — Look-ers, not look-nz: 
smi-lingly, not smi-Un-ly : rev-er-ence, not rev-runce; stead-y, not 
stid-y, 



Is'-sue, «. event, consequence. 
Stanch, a. sound, strong. 
«F&g f "ged, p, notched, uneven. 



Shaft, n. the stem, the body. 
Quiv'-er, n. a case for arrows. 
Per'-il, «. danger. 



WILLIAM TELL. —(CONTINUED.; 

Scene 2.— Enter slowly, people in evident distress — Officers* iSor- 
nem, Geder, Tell, Albert, and soldiers — one bearing Tett's how 
and quiver — another with a basket of apples, 

Gcs. That is your ground. Now shall they measure thence 

A hundred paces. Take the distance. 
Tell. Is the line a true one ? 
Ges. True or not, what is *t to thee ? 
Tell. What is 't to me ? A little thing, 

A very little thing ; a yard or two 

Is nothing here or there — were it a wolf 

I shot at ! Never mind. 
Ges. Be thankful, slave, 

Our grace + accords thee life on any terms. 
Tell. I will be thankful, G-esler ! Villain, stop ! 

You measure to the sun. 
Ges. And what of that ? 

What matter whether to or from the sun ? 
Tell. I 'd have it at my back. The sun should shine 

Upon the mark, and not on him that shoots. 

I can not see to shoot against the sun : 

I will not shoot against the sun ! 
Ges. Give him his way ! Thou hast cause to bless my mercy. 
Tell. I shall remember it. I ; d like to see 

The apple I 'in to shoot at. 
Ges. Stay ! show me the basket ! there ! 
Tell. You 've picked the smallest one. 
Ges. I know I have. 



310 Mc GUFF TV'S FOURTH READER, 

Tell. ! do you ? liut you see 

The color of 't is dark : I 'd have it light, 

To see it better. 
Ges. Take it as it is; 

Thy skill will be the greater if thou hitt'st it. 
Tell. True ! true ! I did not think of that j I wonder 

I did not think of that. Give me some chance 

To save my boy! (Throws away the apple with all his 
I will not murder him, 

If I can help it; for the honor of 

The form thou wearest, if all the heart is gone. 
Ges. "Well : choose thyself. 
Tell. Have I a friend among the lookers on ? 
Verner. (Rushing forward.) Here, Tell! 
Tell. I thank thee, Yerner ! 

He is a friend runs out into a storm 

To shake a hand with us. I must be +Jbrief. 

"When once the bow is bent, we can not take 

The shot too soon. Yerner, whatever be 

The issue of this hour, the common cause 

Must not stand still. Let not tomorrow's sun 

Set on the + tyrant's banner ! Yerner ! Yerner ! 

The boy ! the boy ! Thinkest thou he hath the + courage 

To stand it ? 
Ver. Yes. 

Tell. Does he tremble ? 
Ver. No, 
Tell. Art sure ? 
Ver. I am. 
Tell. How looks be ? 
Ver. Clear and smilingly. 

If you doubt it, look yourself. 
Tell. No, no, my friend : 

To hear it is enough. 
Ver. He bears himself so much above his years — 
Tell I know ! I know ! 
Ver. With * constancy so modest — 
Tell. I was sure he would — 
Ver. And looks with such + relying love 

And "^reverence upon you — 
TeU. Man ! Man ! Man ! 

No more ! Already I 'm too much the father 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 311 

To act the man ! Yerner, no more, my friend ! 
I would be flint — flint — flint. Do n't make me feel 
I 'm not — do not mind me ! Take the boy 
And set him, Yerner, with his back to me. 
Set him upon his knees, and place this apple 
Upon his head, so that the stem may front me, 
Thus, Yernor; charge him to keep steady; tell him 
I '11 hit the apple ! Yerner, do all this 
More * briefly than I tell it thee. 

Ver. Come, Albert! (Leading him out.') 

Alb. May I not speak with him before I go ! 

Yer. No. 

Alb. I would only kiss his hand. 

Ver. You must not. 

Alb. I must; I can not go from him without. 

Ver. It is his will you should. 

Alb. His will, is it ? 

I am content, then ; come. 

Tell. My boy ! (Holding out Jiis arms to him.) 

Alb. My father ! (Bushing into Tell's arms.') 

Tell. If thou canst bear it, should not I ? Go now, 
My son; and keep in mind that I can shoot; 
|Gk>, boy; be thou but steady. I will hit 
The apple. Go ! God bless thee ; go. My bow ! 

{The boic i$ handed to him.) 
Thou wilt not fail thy master, wilt thou ? Thou 
Hast never failed him yet, old servant. Xo, 
I '"in sure of thee. I know thy honesty, 
Thou art stanch, stanch. Let me see my quiver. 

Ges. Give him a single arrow. 

Tell. Do you shoot ? 

Soldier. I do. 

T 11. Is it so you pick an arrow, friend ? 

The point, you see, is bent; the feather, jagged. 

That 's all the use 't is lit for. " (Breeds it.) 

Ges. Let him have another. 

Tell Why, 't is better than the first. 

But yet not good enough for such an aim 

As I 'in to take. ; T is heavy in the shaft : 

I'll not shoot with it ! (Throws it aicay.) Let me see 

my quiver. 
Bring it ! 'T is not one arrow in a dozen 



312 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

I 'd take to shoot with at a dove, much less 

A dove like that. 
Ges. It matters not. 

Show him the quiver. 
Tell. See if the boy is ready. 

{Tell here hides an arrow wider his vest.') 
Ver. He is. 

Tell. I 'm ready, too ! Keep silent, for 

Heaven's sake, and do not stir ; and let me have 
Your prayers, your prayers, and be my + witnesses 
That if his life ; s in peril from my hand, 
'T is only for the chance of saving it. ( To the people.") 

Ges. Go on. 

Tell. I will. 

friends, for mercy's sake keep + motionless, 
And silent. (Tell shoots. A shout of exultation bursts 
from the crowd. TelVs head drops on his bosom ; he 
with difficulty supports himself on his bow.) 

Ver. (Rushing in with Albert.) The boy is safe, no hair of him 
is touched. 

Alb. Father, I'm safe. Your Albert's safe, dear father; 

Speak to me ! Speak to me ! 
Ver. He can not, boy ! 
Alb. You grant him life ? 
Ges. I do. 

Alb. And we are free ? 
Ges. You are. (Crossing angrily behind.) 
Ver. Open his vest, 

And give him air. (Albert opens his father's vest, and the 
arrow drops. Tell starts, fixes his eyes on Albert, and 
clasps him to his breast.) 

Tell. My boy! My boy! 
Ges. For what 

Hid you that arrow in your breast ? Speak, slave ! 

Tell. To kill thee, tyrant, had I slain my boy ! * 

Knctwxes. 

* Notwithstanding G-esler's promise, Tell was again loaded with chains, and 
confined in prison. Succeeding, however, in making his escape, he soon afterward 
shot G-esler through the heart, and thus freed his country from the most galling 
bondage. His memory is, to this day, cherished in Switzerland, as that of one of 
the most heroic defenders of liberty. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



313 



Question s. — In what kind of tone should you read, " True, I did not 
think of that," line 31 ? Why ? Relate the whole story in your own 
language. What became of Gesler ? 

Parse each word in the last line. 



LESSON XCIX. 

Utter each sound correctly and distinctly. — On-ward, not on-wud : 
ex-ist-ence, not ex-is-tunce: fur-row, not fur-rer: nat-u-ral, not nat-er-ul: 
cow-ard-ly, not cow-ud-ly : hol-low, not hol-ler: fer-ule, pro. fer-il, or 
fer-ule. Mind, not mine: field, not Jiel: low-est, not low-es: el-e-ment, 
el'ment : fi-nal-ly, not Ji-n'ly. 



1. Paf-ri-ot-ism, n. tile love of country. 

2. Goad, v. to prick, to urge forward. 
In-gre'-di-ent, n, that which enters 
into any thing &s a part of it. 

3. Sub-li'-ming, p. exalting. 

4. Mar'-tyr-dom, n. death or suffering on 
account of one's principles. 

h. Vi'-tiate, v. (pro. visit' -ate) to injure 
the qualities of any thing. 



6. Mar'-i-time, a. (pro. mar'-c-tim) bor- 
dering on the sea. 

Ar-cade f , n. a long or continued 
series of arches. 

7. Or-gan f -ic, a. organic remains are the 
remains of living bodies turned into 
stone. 

9. Rein-i-nis'-cen-ces, «. recollections. 
En-act'-ments, n. the passing of laws. 



THE PATRIOTISM OP WESTERN LITERATURE. 

1. Our literature can not fail to be patriotic, and its patriotism 
will be American ; composed of a love of country, mingled with an 
admiration for our Apolitical institutions. 

2. The slave, whose very mind has passed under the yoke, and 
the senseless ox, which he goads onward in the furrow, are attached 
to the spot of their animal companionship, and may even fight for 
the cabin and the field where they came into existence ; but this 
affection, considered as an ingredient of patriotism, although the 
most universal, is the lowest; and to rise into a virtue, it must be 
+ discriminating and "^comprehensive, involving a varied association 
of ideas, and embracing the beautiful of the natural and moral 
world, as they appear around us. 

3. To feel in his heart, and to infuse into his writings the spirit 
of such a patriotism, the scholar must feast his taste on the deli- 
cacies of our scenery, and dwell with + enthusiasm on the genius 

27 



314 

of our constitution and laws. Thus sanctified in its character, 
this sentiment becomes a principle of moral and intellectual 
dignity ; an element of fire, purifying and subliming the mass in 
which it glows. 

4. As a guiding star to the will, its light is inferior only to that 
of Christianity. Heroic in its philanthrophy, untiring in its 
"^enterprises, and sublime in the martyrdoms it willingly suffers, it 
justly occupies a high place among the virtues which ennoble the 
human character. A literature, animated with this patriotism, is 
a national blessing, and such will be the literature of the West. 

5. The literature of the whole Union must be richly endowed 
with this spirit ; but a double portion will be the lot of the inte- 
rior, because the foreign influences, which + dilute and vitiate this 
virtue in the extremities, can not reach the heart of the continent, 
where all that lives and moves is American. 

6. Hence a native of the West may be confided in as his 
country's hope. Compare him with the native of a great mari- 
time city, on the + verge of the nation; his birthplace the fourth 
story of a house, hemmed in by surrounding edifices, his play- 
ground a pavement, the scene of his "•'juvenile rambles an arcade 
of shops, his young eyes feasted on the flags of a hundred + alien 
governments, the streets in which he wanders crowded with 
foreigners, and the ocean, common to all nations, forever expanding 
to his view. 

7. Estimate his love of country, as far as it depends on local 
and early attachments, and then contrast him with the young 
backwoodsman, born and reared amid objects, scenes, and event3, 
which you can all bring to mind; the jutting rocks in the great 
road, half alive with organic remains, or sparkling with + crystals; 
the quiet old walnut tree, dropping its nuts upon the yellow leaves, 
as the morning sun melts the October frost ; the grapevine swing ; 
the chase after the cowardly black snake, till it creeps under the 
rotten log ; the sitting down to rest upon the crumbling trunk, 
and an idle examination of the mushrooms and mosses which grow 
from its ruins : 

8. Then, the wading in the shallow stream, and upturning of the 
flat stones, to find bait with which to fish in the deeper waters ; 
next the plunder of a bird's nest, to make necklaces of the 
speckled eggs, for her who has plundered him of his young heart ; 
then, the beech-tree with its smooth body, on which he cuts the 
t initials of her name interlocked with his own ; finally, the great 
hollow stump, by the path that leads up the valley to the log 
school-house, its dry bark peeled off, and the stately pokeweed 
growing from its center, and bending with crimson berries, which 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 31* 

invite him to sit down and write upon its polished wood : how 
much pleasanter it is to extract ground squirrels from beneath its 
roots, than to extract the square root, under that labor-saving 
machine, the ferule of the teacher ! 

9. The affections of one who is blessed with such reminiscences, 
like the branches of our beautiful trumpet-flower, strike their roots 
into every surrounding object, and derive support from all which 
stand within their reach. The love of country is with him a con- 
stitutional and governing principle. If he be a mechanic, the 
wood and iron which he molds into form, are dear to his heart, 
because they remind him of his own hills and forests ; if a + hus- 
bandman, he holds companionship with growing corn, as the off- 
spring of his native soil; if a + legislator, his dreams are filled 
with sights of national prosperity, to flow from his + beneficent 
enactments ; if a scholar, devoted to the interests of literature, in 
his lone and excited hours of midnight study, while the winds are 
hushed, and all + animated nature sleeps, the genius of his country 
hovers nigh, and sheds over its pages an essence of patriotism, 
sweeter than the honey dew which the summer night distills upon 
the leaves of our forest trees. 

Dr. Daniel Dp>ake. 



Questions.- — "What is patriotism? What must the scholar do in 
order to feel the spirit of patriotism ? Next to what principal does it 
rank ? Where is patriotism most likely to be found ? What are the 
causes which encourage its growth in the West ? Will you mention those 
objects and scenes which are referred to in the 7th and 8th paragraphs ? 

In the 7th and Sth paragraphs, how will you parse the words " rocks/' 
"tree," "swing," "chase," "sitting down," "examination," "wading," 
"upturning," "plunder," and "stump?" See Analytical Grammar, 
Rule I. 



ARTICULATION. 

Three, threats, thereat, throbbing, thrombus, throat. 

Three thousand threats thereat. There is throbbing or thrombus in 
the throat. Thrashing and thmsting without thriving. See that thou 
marJc'st my icords. He adopts my opinions and accepts my plans. 
Strychnia is the essential principle of the mix vomica. His production* 
may be philosophical, but their utility is problematical 



316 



M C GUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON C. 

Remark. — Avoid the liabit of commencing a sentence in a high key, 
and ending it in a feeble tone of a voice. 

Pronounce correctly. — Sa-cred-ness, not sac-rid-niss : im-port- 
ancc, not im-port-uncc : or-a-tor, not or-it-ur : il-lus-tri-ous, not iL-las- 
tr'ous: hos-tile, (pro. hos-til), not hos-tile: Eu-ro-pe'-an, not Eu- 
ro'-pe-an. 



1. Theme, n. a subject on •which a per- 
son writes or speaks. 

2. Gib'-bet-ed, p. hanged and exposed 
on a gibbet. 

Sev'-er-ed, p. disunited, separated. 

3. Mon'-arch-ist, n. one who is in favor 
of a kingly government. 
Ar-is'-to-crat, n. one who is in favor 
of a government placed in the hands 
of a few men. 



Con-fed'-er-a-cy, n. a union of states 

or persons. 

Par'-ri-cide, «. the destruction of 

one 's parent or country. 

In-dis'-so-lu-blo, a. that can not be 

broken or separated. 

Dem'-a-gogue, n. a leader of the 

lower class of people. 

Tac'-tics, n. the science of managing 

military forces. 



DUTY OF AN AMERICAN ORATOR. 

1. One theme of duty still remains, and I have placed it alone, 
because of its peculiar dignity, sacredness, and importance. Need 
I tell you that I speak of the union of the states? Let the 
American orator discharge all other duties but this, if indeed it be 
not impossible, with the energy and eloquence of John Ilutlcdge, 
and the disinterested + fidelity of Robert Morris, yet shall he be 
counted a traitor, if he attempt to dissolve the union. 

2. His name, + illustrious as it may have been, shall then be 
gibbeted on every hilltop throughout the land, a monument of his 
crime and punishment, and of the shame and grief of his country. 
If indeed he believe, (and doubtless there may be such,) that wis- 
dom demands the dissolution of the union, that the south should 
be severed from the north, the west be independent of the east, let 
him cherish the sentiment, for his own sake, in the solitude of his 
breast, or breathe it only in the confidence of friendship. 

8. Let him rest assured, that as his country tolerates the mon^ 
archist and aristocrat of the old world, she tolerates him; but 
should he plot the dismemberment of the union, the same trial, 
judgment, and execution await him as would await them, should 
they attempt to establish the aristocracy of Venice, or the mon- 
archy of Austria, on the ruins of our confederacy. To him as to 
them, she leaves freedom of speech, and the very + licentiousness 



OP THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 317 

of the press; and permits them to write, even in the spirit of 
scorn, and hatred, and unfairness. 

4. She trembles not at such efforts, "t" reckless and hostile as they 
may be. She smiles at their impotence, while she mourns over 
their infatuation. But let them lift the hand of parricide, in the 
insolence of pride, or the madness of power, to strike their country, 
and her countenance, in all the severity and terrors of a parent's 
wrath, shall smite them with amazement and horror. Let them 
strike, and the voices of millions of freemen from the city and 
+ hamlet, from the college and the farm-house, from the cabins 
amid the western wilds, and our ships scattered around the world, 
shall utter the stern irrevocable judgment, self-banishment for life, 
or ignominious death. 

5. Be it then the noblest office of American eloquence, to 
cultivate, in the people of every state, a deep and fervent attach- 
ment to the union. The union is to us the marriage bond of 
states ; indissoluble in life, to be dissolved, we trust, only on that 
day when nations shall die in a moment, never to rise again. Let 
the American orator discountenance, then, all the arts of intrigue 
and corruption, which not only pollute the people and dishonor 
republican institutions, but prepare the way for the ruin of both ; 
how secretly, how surely, let history declare. Let him banish 
from his thoughts, and his lips, the + hypocrisy of the demagogue, 
equally deceitful and degraded, 

"With smooth dissimulation, skilled to grace 
A devil's purpose, with an angel's face." 

6. Let that demagogue and those arts, his instruments of power, 
be regarded as pretended friends, but secret and dangerous enemies 
of the people. Let it never be forgotten that to him and them we 
owe all the licentiousness and violence, all the unprincipled and 
unfeeling persecution of party spirit. Let the American orator 
labor, then, with all the solemnity of a religious duty, with all 
the intensity of filial love, to convince his countrymen that the 
danger to liberty in this country is to be traced to those sources. 
Let the European tremble for his institutions, in the presence of 
military power and of the warrior's ambition. 

7. Let the American dread, as the + arch-enemy of republican 
institutions, the shock of exasperated parties, and the implacable 
revenge of demagogues. The discipline of standing armies, is the 
terror of freedom in Europe ; but the tactics of parties, the stand- 
ing armies of America, are still more formidable to liberty with us. 

8. Let the American orator frown, then, on that ambition, 
which, pursuing its own "^aggrandizement and gratification, perils 
the harmony and integrity of the union, and counts ,the grief, 



318 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

anxiety, and + expostulations of millions, as the small dust of the 
balance. Let him remember, that ambition, like the Amruta cup of 
Indian fable, gives to the virtuous an immortality of glory and hap- 
piness, but to the corrupt an immortality of ruin, shame, and misery. 

9. Let not the American orator, in the great questions on which 
he is to speak or write, appeal to the mean and groveling qualities 
of human nature. Let him love the people, and respect himself 
too much to dishonor them, and + degrade himself, by an appeal 
to selfishness and prejudice, to jealousy, fear, and contempt. The 
greater the interests, and the more sacred the rights which may be 
at stake, the more resolutely should he appeal to the generous 
feelings, the noble sentiments, the calm considerate wisdom, which 
become a free, educated, peaceful, Christian people. Even if he 
battle against criminal ambition and base intrigue, let his weapons 
be a logic, manly, + intrepid, honorable, and an eloquence mag- 
nanimous, disinterested, and spotless. 

10. Nor is this all. Let the American orator comprehend, and 
live up to the grand conception, that the union is the property of 
the world, no less than of ourselves ; that it is a part of the divine 
scheme for the moral government of the earth, as the solar system 
is a part of the + mechanism of the heavens; that it is destined, 
while traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific, like the ascending 
Bun, to shed its glorious influence backward on the states of 
Europe, and forward on the empires of Asia. 

11. Let him comprehend its sublime relations to time and 
eternity; to God and man; to the most precious hopes, the most 
solemn obligations, and the highest happiness of human kind. 
And what an eloquence must that be whose source of power and 
wisdom are God himself, the objects of whose influence are all the 
nations of the earth; whose sphere of duty is + co-extensive with 
all that is sublime in religion, beautiful in morals, commanding in 
intellect, and touching in humanity. How comprehensive, and 
therefore how wise and + benevolent, must then be the genius of 
American eloquence, compared to the narrow-minded, narrow- 
hearted, and therefore selfish, eloquence of Greece and Home. 

12. How striking is the "^contrast, between the universal, social 
spirit of the former, and the individual, exclusive character of the 
latter. The boundary of this is the horizon of a plain ; the circle 
of that, the horizon of a mountain + summit. Be it then the 
duty of American eloquence to speak, to write, to act, in the cause 
of Christianity, patriotism, and literature; in the cause of justice, 
humanity, virtue, and truth; in the cause of the people, of the 
union, of the whole human race, and of the unborn of every clime 
Mid age. Then shall American eloquence, the personification of 
truth, beauty, and love, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 



319 



-walk the earth, that she may hear her name 



Still hymned and honored by the grateful voice 

Of human kind, and in her fame rejoice." Grimke. 



Questions. — How shall the orator be regarded who attempts to 
dissolve the Union ? If he believes a separation desirable, what shall he 
do with his opinion ? Why is freedom of speech and the press allowed to 
both bad and good ? What feeling toward the Union must be cherished 
in every American bosom ? How should the American regard party 
spirit, and demagogues ? To what sentiments should he always appeal, 
and to what others never ? How shall he regard the Union in respect to 
the world ? — To time, and to eternity ? 



LESSON CI. 

Articulate the d and t clearly: thou-sands, not thou-sans: 
dust, not duss: friends, not frien's: con-flict, not con-flic; ground, 
not grown, ; found, not foun i must, not mus. 



Ser*-ri-ed, a. crowded together. 

Phal'-anx, n. a body of troops formed 

in close array. 
7. Ram'-parfc, n. that which defends 

from assault. 
2. En-cbant'-ed, a. possessed by witches 

or imaginary spirits. 



17. Im-preg f -na-ble, a. that can not be 
moved or shaken. 

18. Hor'-rent, a. standing out like 
bristles. [to authority. 

29. In-surg'-ent, a. rising in opposition 

30. Pray, n. quarrel, battle. [i Q g- 
50. An-ni'-hi-late, v. to reduce to noth- 



MAKE WAY FOR LIBERTY. 

At the battle of Lempach, A. D. 1315, between the Swiss and Austrians, the 
latter having obtained possession of a narrow pass in the mountains, formed a 
serried phalanx with presented spears. Until this was broken, the Swiss could 
not hope to make a successful attack. At last, Arnold Winkelried, leaving the 
Swiss ranks, rushed upon the Austrian spears, and receiving in his body as many 
points as possible, made a breach in the line, which resulted in the complete rout 
•of the Austrian army. 

1. "Make way for + Liberty!" he cried; 

Made way for Liberty, and died ! 
In arms the Austrian phalanx stood, 
A living wall, a human wood ! 
5. A wall, where every conscious stone 



320 MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 

Seemed to its kindred thousands grown; 
A rampart all + assaults to bear, 
Till time to dust their frames should wear : 
A wood like that enchanted grove, 

10. In which, with fiends, Rinaldo strove, 
Where every silent tree possessed 
A spirit prisoned in his breast, 
Which the first stroke of coming strife 
Would + startle into + hideous life : 

15. So dense, so still, the Austrians stood, 
A living wall, a human wood ! 
Impregnable their front appears, 
All horrent with + projected spears, 
Whose polished points before them shine, 

20. From flank to flank, one brilliant line, 
Bright as the breakers' splendors run 
Along the billows to the sun. 
Opposed to these, a + hovering band, 
Contending for their native land : 

25. Peasants, whose new-found strength had broke 
From manly necks the + ignoble yoke, 
And + forged their fetters into swords, 
On equal terms to fight their lords; 
And what insurgent rage had gained, 

30. In many a mortal fray maintained : 
Marshaled once more at freedom's call, 
They came to conquer or to fall, 
Where he who conquered, he who fell, 
Was deemed a dead or living Tell ! 

85. And now the work of life and death 
Hung on the passing of a breath; 
The fire of conflict burned within; 
The battle trembled to begin : 
Yet, while the Austrians held their ground, 

40. Point for attack was no where found; 
Where'er the impatient Switzers gazed, 
The unbroken line of lances blazed; 
That line 'twere + suicide to meet, 
And perish at their tyrants' feet; 

45. How could they rest within their graves, 
And leave their homes the homes of slaves? 
Would they not feel their children tread 
With clanking chains above their head? 

It must not be : this day, this hour, 
50. Annihilates the oppressor's power; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 3.21 

All Switzerland is in the field, 

She will not fly, she can not yield ; 

Few were the numbers she could boast; 

But every freeman was a host, 
55. And felt as though himself were he 

On whose sole arm hung victory. 

It did depend on one indeed; 

Behold him! Arnold Winkelried! 

There sounds not to the trump of fame 
60. The echo of a nobler name. 

Unmarked he stood amid the throng, 

In + rumination deep and long, 

Till you might see with sudden grace, 

The very thought come o'er his face; 
65. And by the motion of his form, 

Anticipate the bursting storm; 

And by the uplifting of his brow, 

Tell where the bolt would strike, and how. 

But 'twas no sooner thought than done; 
70. The field was in a moment won : 

"Make way for Liberty!" he^ried; 

Then ran, with arms extended wide, 

As if his dearest friend to clasp, 

Ten spears he swept within his grasp: 
75. "Make way for Liberty!" he cried, 

Their keen points met from side to side; 

He bowed among them like a tree, 

And thus made way for Liberty. 

Swift to the breach his comrades fly; 
80. " Make way for Liberty ! " they cry, 

And through the Austrian phalanx dart, 

As rushed the spears through Arnold's heart; 

While + instantaneous as his fall, 

Rout, ruin, panic, scattered all : 
85. An earthquake could not overthrow 

A city with a surer blow. 

Thus Switzerland again was free, 

Thus Death made way for Liberty! 

Montgomery 



Questions. — "When, and between whom did the battle of Lempach 
take place ? Ho"w were the Austrians drawn up ? What was the neces- 
sity for the self-sacrifice of Winkelried ? How did it result ? Is war 
justifiable ? 



322 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH HEADER. 



LESSON CII. 

Remark. — Give the poetic pauses their appropriate prominence, 
most of the following lines, the cesura is very decidedly marked. 



In 



Pronounce correctly. — Fierce, not ferce: bird, not bud: crim- 
son, pro. crim-z'n: (See McGuffey's Eclectic Spelling Book, page 49 :) 
thun-der-er's, not thun-d'ruz ; wing-lets, not wing-lits. 



1. Beak, ». the bill of a bird. 
10. Wri'-thing, p. twisting. 
2b. Wing'-lets, n. little wings. 



Fledg'-ed, p. furnished with fea- 
thers. 
Cleav'-ing, a. splitting, dividing. 



THE AMERICAN EAGLE. 

1. There's a fierce gray bird, with a bending beak, 
With an angry eye, and a startling shriek, 
That nurses her brood where the cliff flowers blow, 
On the precipice top, in + perpetual snow ; 
5. That sits where the air is shrill and bleak, 
On the splintered point of a shivered peak, 
Bald headed and stripped, like a vulture torn 
In wind and strife ; her feathers worn, 
And ruffled, and stained, while loose and bright, 
10. Round her serpent neck, that is writhing and bare, 
Is a crimson collar of gleaming hair, 
Like the crest of a warrior, thinned in fight, 
And shorn, and bristling. See her ! where 
She sits, in the glow of the sun-bright air, 
15. With wing half + poised, and talons bleeding, 
And kindling eye, as if her + prey 
Had suddenly been snatched away, 
While she was tearing it and feeding. 
Above the dark + torrent, above the bright stream, 
20. The voice may be heard 

Of the thunderer's bird, 
Calling out to her god in a clear, wild seream, 
As she mounts to his throne, and unfolds in his beam ; 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 323 

While her young are laid out in his rich, red blaze, 
25. And their winglets are fledged in his hottest rays. 

Proud bird of the cliff ! where the barren yew springs, 

Where the sunshine stays, and the wind harp sings, 

She sits, + unapproachable, pluming her wings. 

She screams ! She 's away ! over hill-top and flood, 
30. Over valley and rock, over mountain and wood, 

That bird is abroad in the van of her brood ! 

'T is the bird of our + banner, the free bird that braves, 
When the battle is there, all the wrath of the waves : 
That dips her pinions in the sun's first gush; 

35. Drinks his + meridian blaze, his farewell flush; 
Sits amid stirring stars, and bends her beak, 
Like the slipped f falcon, when her piercing shriek 
Tells that she stoops upon her cleaving wing, 
To drink at some new victim's clear, red spring. 

40. That monarch bird ! she slumbers in the night, 
Upon the lofty air peak's utmost hight; 
Or sleeps upon the wing, amid the ray 
Of steady, cloudless, everlasting day : 
Bides with the thunderer in his blazing marcn, 

45. And bears his lightnings o'er yon boundless arch; 

Soars + wheeling through the storm, and screams away, 
Where the young pinions of the morning play ; 
Broods with her arrows in the + hurricane; 
Bears her green laurel o'er the starry plain, 

50. And sails around the skies, and o'er the roiling deeps, 
With still unwearied wing, and eye that never sleeps. 

Neal. 



Questions. — What is the emblem of our country? Describe the 
habits of the eagle. "What traits in the character of this bird are worthy 
of admiration ? "What is meant by the " thunderer/' in the 21st line ? 
What is meant by "her god," in the 22d line ? 

What is the nominative to "soars," in the 46th line? What to 
"broods," in the 48th line? To "sails" in the 50th line ? What does 
the nominative denote ? 

See " Pinxeo's Analytical Grammar," the work to which all the gram- 
matical questions in this book have reference. 



324 



MCGUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON CIII. 

Remark. — Let the pupil stand at a distance from the teacher, and 
then try to read so loud and distinctly that the teacher may hear each 
syllable. 

Utter each sound correctly and distinctly. — In-vi-ting, not in-vi- 
fn: phil-o-soph-ic-al, not phil'soph'c'l ; in-flu-ence, not in-fiu-unce: 
re-spect, not re-spec : de-scend-ants, not de-scend-unce ; cult-ure, (pro. 
cidt-yur), not cul-tcr, nor cul-tshure; mints, not mince; pop-u-lar, not 
pop-py-lar ; kind, not kine ; his-to-ry, not his-fry. 



1. Top'-ics, n. subjects of discourse. 

2. Germ'-in-a-ted, v. sprouted, began 
to grow. 

4. Trans-cend'-ent, a. surpassing all, 
very excellent. 
Dru-id'-ic-al, a. belonging to the 



time of the Druids. These were 
the ancient priests of Great Britain. 

10. Co-los'-sal, a. very large. 

11. Em-bod'-i-ment, n. a union in one 
body. 

12. Fer'-vid, a. burning, zealous. 



EUROPE AND AMERICA — WAS HINGTO N . 

[Extract from an address delivered by Daniel Webster, at tho celebration of 
the completion of the Bunker Hill Monument, June 17, 1843.] 

1. Few topics are more inviting, or more fit for philosophical 
discussion, than the action and influence of the New World upon 
the Old ; or the contributions of America to Europe. 

2. Her obligations to Europe for science and art, laws, litera- 
ture, and manners, America acknowledges as she ought, with 
respect and gratitude. And the people of the United States, 
descendants of the English stock, grateful for the treasures of 
knowledge derived from their English ancestors, acknowledge, also, 
with thanks and filial regard, that among those ancestors, under 
the * culture of Hampden and Sidney, and other assiduous friends, 
that seed of popular liberty first germinated, which, on our soil, 
has shot up to its full hight, until its branches overshadow all the 
land. 

8. But America has not failed to make returns. If she has not 
canceled the obligation, or equaled it by others of like weight, she 
has, at least, made respectable advances, and some approaches 
toward equality. And she admits, that, standing in the midst of 
civilized nations, and in a civilized age, a nation among nations, 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 325 

there is a high part which she is expected to act, for the general 
advance of human interests and human welfare. 

4. American mines have filled the mints of Europe with the 
precious metals. The productions of the American soil and 
climate, have poured out their abundance of + luxuries for the 
tables of the rich, and of necessaries for the sustenance of the 
poor. Birds and animals of beauty and value, have been added 
to the European stocks; and + transplantations from the trans- 
cendent and unequaled riches of our forests, have mingled them- 
selves profusely with the elms, and ashes, and druidical oaks of 
England. 

5. America has made contributions far more vast. Who can 
estimate the amount, or the value, of the augmentation of the 
commerce of the world, that has resulted from America ? Who 
can imagine to himself what would be the shock to the Eastern 
Continent, if the Atlantic were no longer + traversable, or there 
were no longer American productions or American markets ? 

6. But America exercises influences, or holds out examples for 
the consideration of the Old World, of a much higher, because 
they are of a moral and political character. America has fur- 
nished to Europe, proof of the fact, that popular + institutions, 
founded on equality and the principle of representation, are capa- 
ble of + maintaining governments; able to secure the rights of 
persons, property, and reputation. 

7. America has proved that it is practicable to elevate the mass 
of mankind ; that portion which, in Europe, is called the laboring 
or lower class ; to raise them to self-respect, to make them f com- 
petent to act a part in the great right and great duty of self- 
government; and this, she has proved, may be done by the 
diffusion of knowledge. She holds out an example a thousand 
times more enchanting, than ever was presented before, to those 
nine tenths of the human race, who are born without + hereditary 
fortune or hereditary rank. 

8. America has furnished to the world the character of Wash- 
ington. And if our American institutions had done nothing else, 
that alone would have entitled them to the respect of mankind. 
Washington ! " First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts 
of his countrymen ! " Washington is all our own ! 

9. The enthusiastic veneration and regard in which the people 
of the United States hold him, prove them to be worthy of such 
a countryman; while his reputation abroad reflects the highest 
honor on his country and its institutions. I would cheerfully put 
the question to any of the intelligence of Europe and the world, 
what character of the century, upon the whole, stands out on the 



326 MCGUFFEY'S FOQRTH READER, 

relief of history, most pure, most respectable, most sublime ; and 
I doubt not that, by a "*" suffrage approaching to unanimity, the 
answer would be — Washington ! 

10. This structure* by its uprightness, its solidity, its + dura- 
bility, is no unfit emblem of his character. His public virtue and 
public principles were as firm as the earth on which it stands; his 
personal motives as pure as the serene heaven in which its summit 
is lost. But, indeed, though a fit, it is an inadequate emblem. 
Towering high above the column which our hands have builded, 
beheld not by the inhabitants of a single city, or a single state, 
ascends the colossal grandeur of his character, and his life. In 
all the constituents of the one, in all the acts of the other, in all 
its titles to immortal love, admiration, and renown, it is an Ameri- 
can production. 

11. It is the embodiment and vindication of our trans-Atlantic 
liberty. Born upon our soil, of parents also born upon it; never, 
for a moment, having had a sight of the old world; instructed, 
according to the modes of his time, only in the spare, but whole- 
some elementary knowledge which our institutions provide for the 
children of the people; growing up beneath, and penetrated by, 
the genuine influence of American society; growing up amid our 
expanding, but not luxurious civilization; partaking in our great 
destiny of labor, our long contest with unreclaimed nature and 
uncivilized man, our agony of glory, the war of independence, 
our great victory of peace, the formation of the Union, and the 
establishment of the constitution ; he is all, all our own ! That 
crowded and glorious life, 

" "Where multitudes of virtues passed along, 
Each pressing foremost in the mighty throng, 
Contending to be seen, then making room 
For greater multitudes that were to come ; — V 

that life was the life of an American citizen. 

12. I claim him for America. In all the perils, in every dark- 
ened moment of the state, in the midst of the reproaches of ene- 
mies, and the misgivings of friends, I turn to that transcendent 
name for courage, and for consolation. To him who denies, or 
doubts, whether our fervid liberty can be combined with law, with 
order, with the security of property, with the pursuits and ad- 
vancement of happiness ; to him who denies that our institutions 
are capable of producing exaltation of soul and the passion of true 
glory ; to him who denies that we have contributed any to the 
stock of great lessons and great examples; to all these I reply, by 
pointing to Washington ! "Webster. 

* Bunker Hill Monument. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 327 



Questions. — Where is Bunker Hill? What event of importance 
occurred there in the war of the revolution ? How long since ? For what 
things is America indebted to Europe ? For what, is Europe indebted to 
America ? In what respect is the monument a fit emblem of Washing- 
ton's character ? Explain how it may be considered that the character of 
Washington is purely an American production. 



LESSON CIV. 



AMERICA. — NATIONAL HYMN. 

1. My country] His of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing; 
Land where my fathers died, 
Land of the pilgrims' pride; 
From every mountain side, 

Let freedom ring. 

2. My native country! thee, 
Land of the noble free, 

Thy name I love : 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills; 
My heart with + rapture thrills, 

Like that above. 

3. Let music swell the breeze, 
And ring from all the trees, 

Sweet freedom's song; 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathe partake, 
Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound + prolong. 

4. Our fathers' God ! to thee, 
Author of Liberty ! 

To thee we sing; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light; 
Protect us by thy might, 

Great God, our King ! S. F. Smith. 



328 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON CV. 



COMFORT YE MY PEOPLE. 

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people ! 
Saith your God. 

Speak ye + comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, 
That her warfare is accomplished, 
5. That her iniquity is pardoned : 

For she hath received of the Lord's hand 
Double for all her sins. 

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, 

Prepare ye the way of the Lord ; 
10. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God I 

Every valley shall be + exalted; 

And every mountain and hill shall be made low ; 

And the crooked shall be made straight; 

And the rough places plain : 
15. And the glory of the Lord shall be + revealed, 

And all flesh shall see it together : 

For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 
The voice said, Cry ! And he said, What shall I cry ? 

All flesh is grass, 
20. And all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field : 

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth : 

Because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it : 

Surely the people is grass. 

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth : 
25. But the word of our God shall stand forever. 

Zion, that bringest good tidings ! get thee up into the 
high mountain ; 

O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings ! 

Lift up thy voice with strength ; 

Lift it up, be not afraid ; 
30. Say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God ! 

Behold ! the Lord your God will come with strong hand, 

And his arm shall rule for him : 

Behold ! his reward is with him, 

And his work before him. 
35. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd : 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 329 

He shall gather the lambs with his arm. 

And carry them in his bosom, 

And shall gently lead those that are with young. 

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, 
40. And meted out heaven with the span, 

And "^comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, 

And weighed the mountains in scales, 

And the hills in a balance ? 

Who hath directed the spirit of the Lord, 
45. Or, being his + counselor, hath taught him? 

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, 

And taught him in the path of judgment, 

And taught him knowledge, 

And showed to him the way of understanding ? 
50. Behold ! the nations are as a drop of a bucket, 

And are counted as the small dust of the balance : 

Behold ! he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. 

And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, 

Nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. 
55. All nations before him are as nothing ; 

And they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity. 
To whom then will you liken Me, 

Or shall I be equal ? saith the Holy One. 

Lift up your eyes on high, and behold ! 
60. Who hath created these things ? 

That bringeth out their host by number ? 

He calleth them all by names : by the greatness of his might, 
(For that he is strong in power,) 

Not one faileth. 

Why sayest thou, Jacob ! and speakest, Israel ! 
65. My way is hid from the Lord, 

And my judgment is passed over from my God ? 

Hast thou not known ? hast thou not heard, 

That the everlasting God, the Lord, 

The Creator of the ends of the «arth, 
70. Fainteth not, neither is weary ? 

There is no searching of his understanding. 

He giveth power to the faint ; 

And to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, 
75. And the young men shall utterly fall : 

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; 

They shall mount up with wings as eagles ; 

They shall run and not be weary ; 

And they shall walk, and not faint. 

Biblb. 
28 



330 McQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER, 



LESSON CVI. 



THE POWER OF GOD. 

[A different translation of this sublime specimen of Hebrew poetry will bo found 

in the Third Reader, Lesson LIV.j 

* 

1. Bless Jehovah, O my soul ! O Jehovah, my God, thou art 
exalted exceedingly ! Thou puttest on glory and majesty, covering 
thyself with light, as with a garment. "Who spreadeth out the 
heavens like a tent ; who layeth the beams of his chambers on the 
waters ; who maketh the clouds his chariots ; who walketh on the 
wings of the wind ; who maketh the winds his messengers ; his 
servants, a consuming fire. 

2. He established the earth on its foundations; it shall not be 
removed forever and ever. Thou didst cover it with the floods as 
with a garment ; the waters arose upon the mountains. From thy 
rebuke they fled, from the roar of thy thunder they hasted away. 
The mountains rise up; they flow down into the valleys, to the 
place which thou hast appointed for them. Thou hast established 
a limit, which they shall not overflow ; they shall not again return 
to cover the earth. He setteth loose the springs in brooks ; they 
flow among the mountains. They give drink to all beasts of the 
field ; the wild asses quench their thirst. Near them the fowls of 
heaven inhabit; they sing from among the branches. 

3. He watereth the hills from his chambers; the earth is filled 
with the fruit of his works. He causeth grass to spring up for 
the cattle, and herbs for the service of man ; that he may bring 
forth food from the earth, and wine which gladdeneth the heart of 
man, and oil to make his countenance to shine, and bread which 
increaseth the strength of man. 

4. The trees of Jehovah are full of sap ; the cedars of Lebanon 
which he hath planted. There the singing birds make their nests; 
the fir-trees are the habitation of the stork. The high hills for 
the wild goats, and the rocks are a refuge for the conies. 

5. He appointeth the moon for seasons; the sun knoweth his 
going down. Thou makest darkness and it is night, in which all 
the beasts of the forest move forth. The young lions roar for 
prey, and demand from God their food. The sun ariseth, they 
withdraw, and lie down for repose in their dwellings. Man goeth 
forth to his work, and to his labor until evening. 



OF THE ECLECTIC SERIES. 331 

6. How manifold are thy works, O Jehovah ! In wisdom hast 
thou made them all. The earth is full of thy riches : so also this 
great and wide-spreading sea. There are moving creatures innum- 
erable ; living creatures, small and great. There go the ships ; 
there that leviathan, which thou hast made to sport therein. 
These all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their food in due 
season. Thou givest it unto them, and they gather it; thou 
openest wide thy hand, and they are satisfied with good. Thou 
hidest thy face, they are terrified; thou takest back their life, 
they die, and to the dust do they return. Thou sendest forth thy 
Spirit, they are created; and thou renewest the face of the earth. 

7. The glory of Jehovah shall endure forever ! Jehovah shall 
rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth; 
He toucheth the hills, and they smoke. Long as I live will I sing 
to Jehovah ; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 
My meditations of him shall be sweet; and I will be joyful in 
Jehovah. 

8. praise G-od in his holiness; praise him in the firmament 
of his power. Praise him in his noble acts ; praise him according 
to his excellent greatness. Praise him in the sound of the trum- 
pet ; praise him upon the lute and harp. Praise him with cym- 
bals and dances ; praise him upon the strings and pipes. Praise 
him upon the well-tuned cymbals ; praise him upon the loud- 
sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath, praise the 
Lord. Praise ye the Lord. 

Translated from the Hebrew, by Cheeyer. 



LESSON CVII. 



THE CELESTIAL CITY. 

1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the first 
heaven and the first earth were passed away ; and there was no 
more sea. And I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, 
coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride 
adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of 
heaven saying, Behold ! the tabernacle of God is with men, and 
he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God 
himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall 
wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and there shall be no more 
death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
pain : for the former things are passed away. 



332 MCQUFFEY'S FOURTH READER. 

2. And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold ! I make all 
things new. And He said unto me, Write : for these words are 
true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done ! I am 
Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give unto 
him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his 
God, and he shall be my son. 

3. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had 
the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, 
saying, Come hither, I will show thee the Bride, the Lamb's wife. 
And He carried me away in the spirit to a great and high moun- 
tain, and showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descend- 
ing out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. * * And 
the city was of pure gold, like unto clear glass. * * 

4. And I saw no temple therein : for the Lord God Almighty 
and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of 
the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it : for the glory of God 
did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations 
of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it ; and the 
kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. And 
the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day, (for there shall be 
no night there) ; and they shall bring the glory and honor of the 
nations into it. And there shall in nowise enter into it any thing 
that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh 
a lie : but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 

5. And He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as 
crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, 
was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and 
yielded her fruit every month : and the leaves of the tree were 
for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse ; 
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his 
servants shall serve him : and they shall see his face. And there 
shall be no night there ; and they need no candle, neither light 
of the sun ; for the Lord giveth them light : and they shall reign 
forever and ever. 

Bible. 



THE END. 



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